Anyone lucky enough to have caught Moira Smiley & VOCO’s set in our New Horizons in Global Songcraft show last spring already know it: this is one amazing group! Drawing on traditional Eastern European and Appalachian harmony and rhythm, the quintet create completely original music that is full of fire and emotion. With a stage show that brims with joyous, improvisational energy, VOCO weaves lush, vibrant harmonies with banjo, cello, and awesome body percussion as they perform Moira’s originals, a cappella shape-note sets, and even some Bartok.

Based in Los Angeles, Moira Smiley & VOCO (featuring John Ballinger, Jess Basta, Jessica Catron, and Christine Enns) recently released the CD, blink. Vermont-born Moira, who moved to California to sing with KITKA Eastern European Vocal Ensemble, works internationally as a vocalist and composer for dance, theatre, and film.