Misty Mama cuts back after busy summer

It was a busy summer for Vancouver’s Carol Harley, who fronts two bluegrass-inspired bands. Harley spent much of the summer performing with Misty River and the Misty Mamas, but health concerns have forced the busy frontwoman to cut back her performance schedule.

Harley, 61, now performs two to four concerts per month with each band. Although fans can’t see the bands as often, Harley insists it’s for the best.

“It makes each performance that much stronger,” she said. “We’re making each show a really good show.”

That means making sure that fans hear classic Misty River tunes. While performing with Misty River, Harley will also perform music from her other band, the Misty Mamas. The band will also perform with vocalist and fiddle player Chris Kokesh on her solo material.

Harley’s next gig is with the Misty Mamas Saturday at the Old Liberty Theater in Ridgefield. The group is headlining a benefit concert for the Lewis River Mobile Food Bank. “We love to give back,” Harley said. “We’re real tickled about this.”

Fans will hear a few new tunes — “We’re really excited about those,” she said — even if Harley isn’t planning on recording anytime soon.

“We’re thinking about it,” she said. “It’s not out of the question at all. There’s been talk, but no plans.”