Teenage mandolin phenomenon Sierra Hull began playing as an eight-year old prodigy, and has quickly become one of bluegrass music’s youngest favorites. The winner of numerous mandolin and guitar championships, Sierra was a featured performer on the Great High Mountain Tour, which included an all-star bluegrass lineup performing songs from the soundtracks of the hit movies O Brother Where Art Thou and Cold Mountain. A seasoned performer, she has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry radio and television shows, and shared the stage with bluegrass legends such as Alison Krauss, IIIrd Tyme Out, Sam Bush, Mountain Heart and Ricky Skaggs.
A TN native, 15-year old Sierra’s exceptional talent as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist has resulted in accolades from both peers and fans alike for her band Sierra Hull & Highway 111, which includes: 17-year old Cory Walker (banjo/guitar) who has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, as well a network television special with Earl Scruggs, Ricky Skaggs, and Kix Brooks; and Grammy-winner Clay Hess (guitar/harmony vocals), well known for his red-hot flat-pick guitar playing with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder.
An active member of the IBMA, Sierra has been performing in that organization’s annual convention showcases of young bluegrass talent since she was ten. In addition, as co-host (with Ryan Holladay) of IBMA’s educational DVD release “Discover Bluegrass: Exploring American Roots Music,” Sierra played an integral part in their effort to introduce young audiences to this uniquely American genre.
Sierra has been exceptionally busy of late, with numerous appearances at the 2006 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) convention in showcases for the California, Virginia and Boston Bluegrass Associations and Bronzewound Afterhours, as well as IBMA-sponsored workshops and teen showcases. In addition, her state senator invited Sierra to perform the “Star Spangled Banner” at the 2006 Gold Star Mother’s Day tribute. She was also privileged to participate in the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) Honors & Awards show honoring Alison Krauss. To date, 2007 has followed suit, with Sierra Hull & Highway 111 performances at Merlefest, the granddaddy of Americana music festivals; the legendary Newport Folk Festival; and RockyGrass, Colorado’s premier progressive bluegrass festival. She also co-hosted (with Ryan Holladay) and performed at the prestigious Carnegie Hall Family Concert Series held in the renowned Isaac Stern Hall.
After putting out an independent release, Angel Mountain, in 2002 at the tender age of ten, Sierra is now becoming a veteran of the recording studio as well. In 2006, she played mandolin at the recording session for “Momma’s Hand,” which appeared on the Rounder Records release A Tribute to Hazel Dickens. Sierra is currently readying her forthcoming debut on Rounder Records for an early 2008 release. Co-produced by Sierra and Union Station’s Ron Block, the record features guest appearances by many of Sierra’s musical idols such as Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas and Tony Rice.
Hey Sierra, thanks for the add! Great show at the Station Inn- Really enjoyed it! I think you turned a friend into a bluegrass fan! Thanks for the pic and the autograph as well!
Hey Sierra. I waited patiently for your album release and I finally got my hands on it. It is now in top rotation on my IPOD. The album is wonderful and I have a feeling we will be hearing alot more from you in the near future. The album is flawless. Best of luck and God Bless.
Can't wait to hear the cd... I've come on your page just to hear Secrets. I really like it a lot. Let me add, it's really nice to hear after a hard day at work =)
Hi Sierra! I came across your music randomly on Youtube! You guys did a version of Roanoke that is fantastic! I'm working up my speed to post a reply video, haha. Keep up the good work!
good grief, that sounds awesome! I only listened to the first 20 seconds cause I hate to hear the cuts before I hear the whole record... Can't wait to hear the rest!
Sierra thanks for the add!!! I love your new space and your new music is wonderful. If you ever get up to Maryland I will be sure to grab a few friends and get to the show. Peace and Blessings...
Awesome material!!! I would like to use your CD as a recruiting tool for the fifth grade string program here our Troy School District. Once they hear you and understand what passion and practice can accomplish, I believe we may have one of our biggest classes yet.
Take care and keep cranking out the great material!
Hey Sierra! I'm Jayce, thanks for the friendship, you certainly are an inspiration in my music, I tried playing mandolin at one point but I heard Ron Block play the Banjo when I was eight and I was doomed forever.
You sound so darn good. Great tone vocally, as well as that little instrument. Thanks for the add. Check out my new site: www. voightmandolins. com and let me know what you think. Where will you be appearing this summer?
