...where Grand Opera meets the Grand Ole Opry!
ABOUT THE COWGIRLS
The Opera Cowgirls are an alt-country band where grand opera meets the grand ole opry. Founded by Caitlin McKechney (mezzo-soprano/guitar/banjolele) after she was asked to open for a rock show at a local bar, the group also includes Sarah Beckham-Turner (soprano/cello), Maria Maxfield (soprano/egg shaker/tambourine), Jessica Sandidge (soprano/mandolin/rival egg shaker/tambourine) and Mila Henry (soprano sometimes/mini-keyboards/percussion). By blending the greatest operatic hits with some country flavor, the Cowgirls have proven that they can truly cover Puccini to Parton.
The Cowgirls have performed at venues ranging from dive bars to cabaret halls and beach bandshells to floating ferries, including the New York-based BAM Lepercq Space, Green Room 42, LIC Bar, Parkside Lounge, Pete's Candy Store, Le Poisson Rouge and The Slipper Room, and regionally at Avaloch Farm Music Institute (NH), Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre (IA), Delaware Valley Opera (NY), Hopewell Valley Vineyards (NJ), Magic City Opera (FL), Mr. Smalls Funhouse (PA), NightBlue Theater (IL), Opera North (NH), Painted Sky Opera (OK), Pensacola Opera (FL), Sandhills Repertory Theatre (NC), San Francisco Ballet (CA), St. Pete Opera (FL) and West Texas A&M University (TX). They were also presented by Pittsburgh Opera as part of the opening celebrations for the 2023 OPERA America Conference.
Guest artists include mandolinist Joe Brent, tap-dancing clown Brent McBeth, violinist Andie Tanning, violinist/musical saw player Philippa Thompson and mezzo-soprano Laura Virella, as well as ensembles ARKAI Music and Hotel Elefant. In August 2022, the Cowgirls all performed in the premiere of Letters That You Will Not Get: Women's Voices from the Great War by Kirsten Volness, Kate Holland and Susan Werbe (American Opera Projects), after debuting the original song cycle version in 2018.
Digital albums include Pearlsnaps and Pearls (their five-song "thesis" EP) and A Very Merry Cowgirl Christmas (a trio of holiday favorites), both of which are available online through all major music platforms.
Individually, the Cowgirls each cover a vast terrain, spanning The Metropolitan Opera, Amarillo Opera, Beth Morrison Projects, Florida Grand Opera, Nashville Opera, New York City Opera, Opera Memphis, Opera on Tap, Opera Philadelphia, PROTOTYPE Festival, Sarasota Opera and Tacoma Opera. OperaCowgirls.com.
MEET THE COWGIRLS
Caitlin McKechney, founding Cowgirl, rocks the guitar and banjolele (a hybrid of a ukulele and a banjo). You often hear her singing Carmen while flirting with unsuspecting beer-drinkers, or belting out some Patsy Cline. She has performed multiple times in both Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, but primarily on Mozart, Rossini and Bizet. She buys a new pair of boots each time she’s there, and now owns an impressive collection. Caitlin is also mom to her two darling cowpolk, Micah and Zoe.
Mila Henry is our piano-mini-accordion-autoharp-bells-ukulele-slidewhistle player, who occasionally lends her sugary voice to a song or two. She can seamlessly transition from an orchestral score on a keytar to an improvised melodica solo that would make Mozart swoon. Most importantly, she is our style guru and owns a magnificent number of vintage cowgirl shirts.
Maria Maxfield, our newest Cowgirl, grew up in Colorado singing country music. After studying voice and becoming an incredible soprano, she waltzed on over to Tennessee and met Caitlin, who was singing opera on the side of a Memphis highway (this is not a joke). Maria joins us along with her dulcimer, Merlin, who magically taught her how to play in less than a day.
Jessica Sandidge is our California girl, gracing us with her mind-boggling high notes and Dolly Parton blend of strength and sweetness. She plays a beautiful Seagull Mandolin named “Pearl”, and also lends her sweet skills to our ever-evolving roster of tiny instruments. Always a rebel, Jess is a natural blonde amidst a brood of brunettes, which we think is super country.
GUEST COWPERSONS
ARKAI
Kate Bergstrom, harp
Joe Brent, mandolin
Meagan Brus, soprano (emeritus)
Chelsea Feltman, soprano
Hotel Elefant
Jonathan Estabrooks, baritone
Rob Glaubitz, baritone
Brent McBeth, tap dancer
Sara Jacobi, soprano (emeritus)
Lindsay Ohse, soprano (emeritus)
Emily Jane Price, tap dancer
Nicole Sharlow, violin
Andie Tanning, violin
Brent Turner, tenor
Philippa Thompson, musical saw
Laura Virella, mezzo-soprano
Pete Wojtowicz, upright bass