New Writer Alert: The Scooches

Led by Betina Hershey & Nick Russo, The Scooches feature a captivating ensemble, blending original music influenced by world folk traditions, global Americana, New Orleans verve, and the vibrant spirit of the 1920s. This world-class band boasts exceptional musicians from New York City, Suriname, Sapelo Island (Georgia), Mexico, India, Senegalese, Jamaican and the Caribbean. Elmore Magazine praises their remarkable musical dexterity, while Big Takeover Magazine aptly describes their music as a universal fusion of minds, souls, and cultures.

The Scooches have graced esteemed stages like the Kansas City Folk Festival, Club Passim, WoodSongs, Rockwood Music Hall, Zinc Bar, Drom and WFUV, while some members have shared their talents with renowned artists including Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Prince, Ben E King, Ray Charles, Jon Batiste, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Jerry Garcia, Julia Roberts, and Wynton Marsalis. Founding members Russo and Hershey have made notable appearances in hit movies like Disney's ‘Enchanted,’ ‘Mona Lisa Smile,’ ‘Away We Go,’ and PBS Masterpiece’s ‘The Chaperone.’ Their album "Get Us Out Of Fearland" reached #2 on the Folk DJ Chart in April 2018.

"No Depression" hails their music as Americana at its purest and most impressive, while WFUV's John Platt declares them a band that must be seen to be believed. The Scooches are a musical dream come true, unifying diverse genres and cultures, as acclaimed musician David Amram puts it, "an amazing group which a lot of us dreamed would happen someday where the different genres of music all get together."