The Willows are making a name for themselves as a dynamic close harmony A cappella trio, wowing audiences with their signature nostalgic charm. With Krista Deady as contralto, Andrea Gregorio as soprano and Lauren Pedersen as mezzo-soprano, the refreshing harmonies of these sophisticated songstresses will transport you back to the classiest of eras in music—today.
Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, the tri-hair coloured trio met as young dance students. Together, they not only nurtured an appreciation for the performing arts, but became the closest of companions. Their passion for the performing arts eventually brought them across the country to Ryerson University in Toronto to complete their Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) degrees in dance. Little did they know, they’d soon discover that their talents would extend beyond dancing.

A music class encouraged the trio to sing in front of their Ryerson classmates. Inspired by the Jersey Boys musical, they chose to sing a tune from the show, expertly choreographed with some dance moves of course! The girls had no idea harmonizing was a skill until the positive feedback from their peers gave them the push they needed to break out into Toronto’s music scene as a bona fide trio act called The Willows. Soon The Willows were dazzling crowds with their unique set list, incorporating synchronized dance steps to add an element of theatricality that reminds audiences of years gone by, with a modern touch. From those first few open mic opportunities to headlining their own shows at venues across the country like the Virgin Mobile Mod Club, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Danforth Music Hall, Lilac Festival and Blue Chair Café, The Willows have combined their dance and classical music training to become Canada’s newest entertainment delight.

Catching their first holiday album, This Is Christmas, is a great way to sample the sounds of The Willows. Soon after meeting nationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist George Koller, they decided it was a smart idea to immediately work together! George produced the album and provided bass accompaniment with his brilliant talents. In addition, the album features accompaniment by Ben Riley (drums), and Mark Kieswetter (piano).