United originally by their California roots and love for folk music,

Nightbirds emerged out of the shared experience of newfound motherhood. Each of the three members recognized their precious free moments after the little ones were put to bed, when creative musings could finally be explored. The powerful new chapters in their lives called for a deeper well of expression. The band’s collective sound is poignant, yet it evokes a sense of innocence, a quality inspired by the presence of their children.

Jade Hendrix brings her soulful vocals and insightful songwriting to the ensemble. Instrumentalists Sam ‘n Ash (an established folk duo comprising of accordion and mandolin) complement Jade’s crooning with their inventive melodies and effective arrangements. The trio fuses classic folk themes with expressive vocals, resulting in a unique and compelling blend that can only be described as a sound all their own. Each musician brings their vast musical experience to the Nightbirds’ project:

  • Jade Hendrix

    VOCALS

    Vocalist Jade Hendrix grew up backstage in the arenas and stadiums of the world, thanks to her mother Sharon Hendrix, a world-renowned backing singer who has worked with Tom Jones, Natalie Cole, Barry Manilow, and more. Jade’s sound represents the culmination of not just the past decade of experience as a singer-songwriter, but of a life lived amongst musical giants. An award-winning artist, she has worked alongside luminaries such as Judy Collins, Dave Mason, and Ronnie Spector.

  • Samantha Harvey

    ACCORDION & DANCE

    Samantha Harvey has performed throughout the world with groups such as Téada, Ireland the Show, Irish Christmas in America, and Celtic Journey. Her performance work has involved concerts, festivals and teaching in Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Europe and the United States. Samantha was privileged to perform in RTÉ’s Centenary 2016, broadcast live on television from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin. Her duo, Sam ‘n Ash, was featured in the Oscar-nominated movie The Sea Beast as well as the wildly popular podcast Welcome to Night Vale.

  • Ashley Hoyer

    MANDOLIN

    Ashley Hoyer is described as a “mandolin phenomenon” by the San Diego Tribune. She performs in various venues and ensembles ranging from great dance halls with The Syncopaths; to castles of Ireland with Sam ‘n Ash; to classical concert halls with Fire, Grace, & Ash; as well as small listening rooms with her all-original-music folk trio Long Story Short. A frequent collaborator, Ashley’s playing can be heard on albums such as Karan Casey’s Nine Apples of Gold as well as Brian Finnegan’s Hunger of the Skin. Ashley is an avid composer, premiering and recording her folk and new music works with various bands, chamber ensembles, and orchestras. She has an unquenchable curiosity for composition and perpetually chips away at writing projects and commissions.