Rising Performance Duo SistaStrings on “American Currents: State of the Music”

Three years after moving to Nashville, SistaStrings—Chauntee and Monique Ross—are both in-demand backing musicians and a rising performance duo. In 2023, the sisters played in a variety of settings: at the Newport Folk Festival as a duo, and also with Maggie Rogers and Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit; with Brandi Carlile while she opened for pop artist Pink on tour; in the house bands for the "Love Rising" benefit concert at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena and on a CMT television special; and at the Ryman Auditorium as the opening act for Brandy Clark. SistaStrings are also mainstays in Allison Russell's Rainbow Coalition Band.

SistaStrings have prepared nearly their whole lives for these moments. The Rosses were raised in Milwaukee by minister parents who homeschooled their five children and stressed the importance of music education. Chauntee has played violin since age four, while Monique began playing piano at age three, then took up violin at age five and cello—now her primary instrument—a couple years later. They became SistaStrings after college, though they also previously played together in a quartet.

Recognizing the duo's prowess, the Americana Music Association named SistaStrings its 2023 Instrumentalists of the Year. They are featured in the Museum exhibit "American Currents: State of the Music."

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