For over two decades, Rebecca Haviland has been captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and introspective songwriting. As the powerhouse frontwoman of Whiskey Heart, alongside renowned musicians like Chris Anderson (Martin Sexton), Kenny Shaw (Dispatch), Todd Caldwell (Crosby, Stills & Nash) and Nicky Barbato, Haviland effortlessly fuses Roots Rock, Soul, and Americana.
A native New Yorker, Haviland’s musical roots run deep, sparked by her grandparents, who were professional musicians in Westchester's vibrant supper club scene in the 1950’s. "Their house was a musical sanctuary," she recalls, where impromptu family jam sessions lit the spark of her musical passion.
After high school, Haviland pursued music studies and interned at Acme Studios in Mamaroneck, New York. There, studio owner Peter Denenberg (Deep Purple, The Spin Doctors) discovered her talent and offered her the chance to record an EP. “That single experience changed the course of my life,” says Haviland. Her debut gig at The Bitter End in New York City—a venue where Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan also began—marked the start of her enduring career.
Whiskey Heart’s 2013 debut album garnered awards in the International Songwriting Competition and Unsigned Only Competition. In 2018, they released Bright City Lights, produced by Don DiLego (Jesse Malin, Hollis Brown), which Paste Magazine praised as “hauntingly beautiful.” The album’s singles, including “Bright City Lights” and “You and I,” received significant attention, with the latter’s video earning an International Songwriting Competition nomination.
In 2019, Haviland and Whiskey Heart recorded two live albums at the iconic Sun Studio in Memphis, featuring original songs and covers like John Prine’s “Angel From Montgomery.” Their 2022 holiday album, A Holiday to Remember, released on Five and Dime Records, showcased both classic and original holiday tunes.
But Haviland’s impact extends beyond the stage; for over a decade, she has nurtured the next generation of musicians as a professor at Purchase College’s Music Conservatory, where she shares her industry insights and inspires students to push their creative boundaries.
Currently, Haviland and Whiskey Heart are finalizing their new album with producer Paul Loren. Set for a 2025 release, the album will include ten original tracks, with the first single “Monday Nightst” dropping on September 13th, 2024. The EP Late Nights is scheduled for November 15th, 2024. Drawing inspiration from icons like Aretha Franklin and Linda Ronstadt and current artists like Brandi Carlile and Jason Isbell, Haviland continues to create music that resonates deeply with audiences. "I love that I get to keep doing this," she says. "I can’t wait to hit the road and bring this new music to life in 2025."
Please join us for this special night of music as they perform songs from her album "A Holiday To Remember"!
Featuring: REBECCA HAVILAND: lead vocals / TODD CALDWELL: Hammond B-3 organ / NICKY BARBATO: guitar / BRIAN KILLEN: bass / TOMMY DIEHL: drums / STEVEN SALCEDO: saxophones / MATT OWENS: trumpet
Doors 6:30pm / Sets at 7:30pm & 9pm / One ticket ($15-$25) is valid for both sets, seating for the 9pm set is based upon availability