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The Crane Wives

American folk band

The Crane Wives are a four-piece American indie rock band formed in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2010. The band currently consists of Emilee Petersmark, Kate Pillsbury, Dan Rickabus, and Ben Zito.

They utilize three-part vocal harmonies and eclectic instrumentation.

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The Crane Wives

what: a band
from: Grand Rapids
since: 2010
on the air here: 0 songs
still after: 6 songs

File card: The Crane Wives

members: Dan Rickabus, Ben Zito, Emilee Petersmark, Kate Pillsbury

formed in: Grand Rapids

genres: indie folk

Facts from Wikidata and Discogs, free to use.

americanafolkindie folk

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Early history

Emilee Petersmark (guitar/vocals) and Kate Pillsbury (guitar/vocals) were aspiring solo artists working at a Chinese restaurant in Grandville, Michigan. In an attempt to avoid waiting tables, they began performing weekends in the restaurant as The Crane Wives, named after the album "The Crane Wife" by The Decemberists, itself based on the Japanese folk tale Tsuru Nyōbō (鶴女房; lit. "Crane Wife").

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Formation and Safe Ship, Harbored (2010–2011)

Petersmark and Pillsbury, both students at Grand Valley State University, joined fellow students Dan Rickabus (percussion/vocals) and Tom Gunnels (banjo) for practice sessions in August 2010. The band played a few shows around Grand Rapids, and soon after, friend and fellow Grand Valley student Ben Zito (who ran sound for the band a few times) joined as the band's bass player.

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Grand Rapids, Michigan In Japanese folklore, the crane wife is a bird disguised as a woman who spins fine silks from her own feathers, until her identity is discovered. The Crane Wives spin fine songs from whole cloth, and you will never want the melodies to leave your head. From murky origins in Chinese restaurants, high school ska bands, and dorm room jam sessions, the band came together in 2010 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and immediately began gathering a following with intricate melodies, sister-harmonies, and compelling songcraft. Initially part of the indie folk boom, their sound has grown and broadened with each new recording till categorization becomes difficult: rock, pop, folk? Just call it really good music. Also known as: The Crane Wives From Discogs (free to use). Their entry