SIRSY
City Winery Boston presents SIRSY live on August 15th at 7:30pm
The Boston Globe calls Sirsy “The little band with the big sound.” Fans call them “the little band with a big heart.” SIRSY plays heartfelt, soulful, electric folk rock with a charming intensity. Their songs are compelling, instantly relatable, and catchy as hell. The Times Union says “Sirsy’s clever, smart songs have more hooks than a tackle box”. Their live shows are known for passionate performances that are equal parts rock energy, pop melody, and folk intimacy with just the right amount of pluck! Mel and Rich are also gifted storytellers and lovable nerds. They can somehow make an audience sing along, dance, laugh, and cry – all at the same show.
Sirsy was formed in 2000, in a basement studio in upstate NY, by Melanie Krahmer (vocals, drums, keys, flute) and Rich Libutti (guitar, bass, nerdy jokes). The couple initially met in a disco cover band (yes, really) and became fast friends after bonding over a mutual love of science fiction, coffee, ice cream, the Beatles, David Bowie, and Nina Simone. Rich and Mel formed Sirsy (named after Mel’s nickname; her sister called her “Sirsy” instead of “Sissy” or “Sister”). They started touring, writing music, got married, and lived happily ever after….
The critics say: “Melanie Krahmer’s passionate and immediately arresting vocals are sultry and seductive. They can be a floaty, intimate, whisper or at times raspy and rocking – sometimes with a little bit of a tongue-in-cheek tone, as if she’s singing with a wink.” She has “one of the most powerful and flexible voices you’ll ever hear” (-Times Union). Mel is also the band’s drummer (and was featured in Modern Drummer). She simultaneously plays bass on a keyboard with her drumstick. Live, she also plays piano, melodica, and the occasional badass flute solo too. Mel's bandmate, co-writer, & husband is Rich Libutti. Rich masterfully plays a well-loved and road worn Rickenbacker through a pedal board full of vintage effects. He sounds like 3 guitarists all on his own. SXSW music blog says “The guitar player is flawless and raw. Clean enough to be enjoyed, and just edgy enough to make you grin.” Rich also plays bass (and at live shows often does it on a pedal board with his feet). And when they strip a song down to the roots and do an intimate rendition, it blows you away. It’s all about the heart. It’s clear these two love what they do. And that love is contagious when you see them live.
With song lyrics that center around empowerment and resilience, it’s no surprise that Sirsy’s fans have supported the duo through Mel's 2 bouts with cancer, the pandemic, over a dozen records, 20+ years of touring, and Rich’s recent back injury that took them off the road for many months. Every show is a true celebration of life for this couple and their fans!
Sirsy has warmed stages for Brandi Carlile, Grace Potter, Train, Maroon 5, Joan Jett, Cheap Trick, Collective Soul, Blues Traveler, Spindoctors, The Smithereens, Adam Ezra Group, Lifehouse, Patty Smythe and Scandal, & many more. They’ve had songs on the hit tv show “Shameless”, the NFL, HBO, MTV, and PBS. Their latest single, “Stupid Little Heart” (Jan 7, 2025) debuted at #10 on the indie folk chart. They’re regulars on NPR, have worked with grammy-winning producers Paul Kolderie and David Kahne, and won tons of awards. They’ve toured the US (every state but Alaska), playing 200+ shows per year- in their little white van “Obi Van Kenobi”. Mel’s endorsed by Paiste Cymbals and Vater Percussion and has been featured in Modern Drummer.
"SIRSY is your favorite band, you just don’t know it yet." (Rochester City Newspaper)
Come, celebrate life with them!
Dine At Your Show(opens in a new tab)
(opens in a new tab)🍽️ We provide food and beverage service directly to your table in the venue. Or, for an expanded menu and more relaxed experience, arrive early and enjoy a meal in our restaurant before the show. When dining in the restaurant, reservations are encouraged and can be made via Resy starting one month before the show. View Our Concert Dining Menu.(opens in a new tab)
2 Item Per Person Encouraged
🎶 While we do not require a two-item food or beverage minimum, we strongly encourage it. Most ticket revenue goes directly to the artist and production costs, so food and drink purchases help support the staff, service, and atmosphere that make these intimate shows possible.
The good news: we think you’ll love the food and wine just as much as the show.
Become a Vinofile Member(opens in a new tab)
🍷 Members get 48 hour early access to new shows, pay no ticket fees, and earn points to exchange for complimentary tickets. Vinofile Plus members also receive many wine benefits. Add a membership to your cart during checkout to start saving now. Already a member? Make sure you are signed in to access your benefits. Become a Vinofile Member and enjoy the benefits today.(opens in a new tab)
