Molly Tuttle Charms at House of Blues with Meels and Kaitlin Butts
One lively Saturday evening on December 6, House of Blues played host to a lineup overflowing with talent and charm, welcoming Meels, Kaitlin Butts, and headliner Molly Tuttle as part of Tuttle’s The Highway Knows Tour. From start to finish, the three acts shared a clear penchant for storytelling and a reverence for the artistry of live music.
Warming up the crowd was Meels, an artist reminiscent of Dolly Parton and John Denver in both her lyrical depth and mellifluous musicianship. Hailing from Mill Valley, California, Meels left her corner of the woods to attend NYU’s Clive Davis Institute in New York City, a journey that’s reflected in her discography. Joined by guitarist Jackson Craig, the duo’s performance balanced a folk-rooted sincerity with a subtle urban polish, resulting in a sound that was both authentic and composed.
Meels and Craig shared a chemistry that enabled them to move through their set with precision and fluidity. Craig seemed to anticipate Meels’ every cue, their timing reflecting the ease and confidence of seasoned performers. Standout moments included their rendition of “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” by Chet Atkins and Dolly Parton, as well as Meels’ single “The Wizard.” Meels’ extraordinary voice paired with Craig’s intuitive musicianship makes it clear that these are artists to watch in the coming months.
Next up was Kaitlin Butts, a Tulsa native who brought a theatrical edge to the evening with her quick-fire humor and sharp storytelling. Her set felt part stand-up comedy, part full musical performance, and the crowd loved every minute. Before each song, she shared anecdotes about her inspirations, making the audience erupt in laughter while also revealing deeper layers of her lyricism. Her stage presence was casual and playful, as if a friend had just dropped by to catch up. Butts embodies the passion and enthusiasm that drive the music industry, and her lyrical honesty and infectious energy won her some loyal fans that night.
Last but certainly not least, headliner Molly Tuttle took to the stage, her growing reputation as one of modern bluegrass and Americana’s most respected musicians on full display. A master of guitar, banjo, and songwriting, Tuttle moved seamlessly between technical brilliance and emotional storytelling. Backed by a responsive, attentive band, her set felt expansive and assured, blending long-standing bluegrass tradition with a contemporary warmth. “Everything Burns” from her most recent album So Long Little Miss Sunshine showcased her flatpicking prowess and the band’s adept, connected performance.
Her all-female band featured Ellen Angelico on guitar, Mary “Mair” Mulroney on mandolin, guitar, and fiddle, Vanessa McGowan on bass, and Megan Jane on drums.
Tuttle’s performance also underscored her status as a multi-Grammy nominee and recent winner. She currently holds nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards for Best Americana Album (So Long Little Miss Sunshine) and Best Americana Performance (“That’s Gonna Leave a Mark”), adding to her previous accolades, including a Best Bluegrass Album win and a Best New Artist nomination in 2023. Her recognition by the Recording Academy, reflecting both her work with Golden Highway and her solo projects, cements her as one of the most influential voices in modern Americana and bluegrass.
There couldn’t have been a more perfect venue for Meels, Kaitlin Butts, and Molly Tuttle to drop into on Saturday. With intimate performances, sharp storytelling, and masterful musicianship, the night celebrated the best of modern Americana and bluegrass. The Highway Knows Tour wraps up the year with one final stop in Menlo Park, California, at The Guild Theatre on December 31 — an unmissable evening for any fans ready to experience the magic all over again.
Photos by: Abigail Murr
Review by: Abigail Murr
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