The me&thee coffeehouse welcomes back The Refugees, three talented solo performers with decades of experience in the music business who formed their group two years ago and have been touring ever since. Newburyport musician Kate Redgate will be making a return trip to our stage to open for this supergroup.

Accomplished solo artists Cindy Bullens, Deborah Holland, and Wendy Waldman came together as The Refugees in 2007, and since that time have been wowing audiences and radio DJs alike with their soaring harmonies, indelible musicianship, and unforgettably humorous stage presence. Each of The Refugees has logged more than three decades in the industry, with nineteen solo albums and multiple Grammy Award nominations to their credit, featuring musical styles that blend country, rock, folk, and Americana. To describe them as eclectic would be an understatement. These three women have utilized their intense drive and relentless passions to create an entirely new sound. Their debut CD, Unbound, was released in January of 2009. The talented trio play guitars, dobro, bass, mandolin, harmonica, accordion, and percussion.

Cindy Bullens got her “big break” as a back-up singer for Elton John, and accompanied John on multiple tours. She was nominated for two Grammy Award nominations, one for her work on the Grease movie soundtrack, and one for her first solo album “Desire Wire.” Since then she has released six acclaimed solo albums, including the award winning Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth, has collaborated on a Broadway show, scored an award winning documentary, and continues to write and record in Nashville and beyond. Deborah Holland began her career as a member of the critically acclaimed band, Animal Logic. Comprised also of Stewart Copeland (of the Police) and Stanley Clarke, the band earned her recognition as both a singer and a songwriter during the 1980s and 90s. Since her Animal Logic days, Deborah has released multiple solo albums, scored and written dozens of songs for film and TV, and gone on to become a music professor at California State University of Los Angeles. Wendy Waldman has been recognized as one of the leading recording artists and songwriters in music since the debut of her band Bryndle in the 1970s, followed by a successful solo career. Wendy is responsible for some of the best loved and most well known songs of the past several decades, including Vanessa Williams’ “Save the Best for Last,” and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s version of “Fishin’ in the Dark, as well as her work as a producer, overseeing countless projects in multiple genres.

A reviewer from music magazine Wood and Steel proclaims: “It’s no wonder that the Refugees, a folk ‘supergroup’ has been likened to a female version of Crosby, Stills & Nash. On Unbound, the group’s debut CD, stirring lead vocals and impeccable harmonies rule the roost.” Sleepy John Sandidge from world-famous radio station KPIG says of the band: “The Refugees have a spirit and light that captures your attention right from the downbeat until they’ve left the building. These are not just three very talented women, they are great entertainers.”

. . .

New England welcomed Midwesterner Kate Redgate nearly a decade ago, with her rootsy style, her blues driven performances and her deep soulful voice. Kate translates her full plate of life experiences into rocking, passionate performances framed with an electrifying backbeat. The recipient of several national recognitions for her compelling songwriting — including a Kerrville New Folk invitation — she has shared stages with acoustic greats such as John Gorka, Lynn Miles, Richie Havens and many others. Acoustic driven blues, folk, country and rock & roll Kate is best described as “a songwriter with intelligence, attitude and muscle . . . brimming with heart and soul.” Kate’s latest CD, Nothing Tragic, was just released this past summer and is getting wonderful reviews. Rick Teverbaugh on “Country Standard Time” blogs the following:”The music on Nothing Tragic is a most engaging mix of country and blues with any lines between the two significantly blurred by her wonderful and expressive vocals, which are equally at home in both camps at once.”

The Refugees offer up a terrific combination of engaging, passionate, and poetic songwriting, high-caliber musicianship, and gorgeous vocals. The combined musical pedigree of Cindy Bullens, Deborah Holland, and Wendy Waldman is unparalleled. Don’t even think about missing an opportunity to catch them in concert. Anil Prasad from Innerviews, Guitar Player and Bass Player

Don’t be too skeptical about a “supergroup” comprised of Cindy Bullens, Deborah Holland and Wendy Waldman: give “Unbound” a listen. All their members have rich musical resumes spanning rock, folk, jazz and blues, so expect a wondrous blend of melodic vocals and superior musicianship, especially if you’re a fan of organic music. Leaving their egos behind for the greater musical good, their angelic voices are woven into the fabric of a dozen uplifting songs. Howard B. Leibowitz

. . .

If you haven’t heard Redgate, then, take it from me . . . start listening now. She’s unreal. If you can picture a singer/songwriter that’s as much Melissa Etheridge (in the rockin’ vocals sense) as she is J.J. Cale (in the rockin’ writing sense), then you’re beginning to understand. . . . Her songs are so true to the human condition, and to life in general, you’ll feel like you should have written the tune(s), but realize that you/we simply don’t have the talent Redgate has to put it so gracefully. It cuts deep. It bleeds openly. Christopher Hislop, Seacoastonline.com