Sweet Petunia is a force of nature—an alt-folk duo with double-banjo firepower, tight harmonies, big energy, and a whole lot of heart. Based in Boston, Mairead Guy and Maddy Simpson craft music that lives at the crossroads of punk grit and folk tradition. Their sets open with explosive twin banjos, then deepen into songs that are bold, emotional, unapologetically queer, and unafraid to get loud. Their writing and chemistry reflect a deep love for community, tradition, and the power of voice—whether whispered or shouted.
Mairead, a Berklee-trained songwriter raised in Richmond’s Old Time and Irish pub scenes, brings a fierce musicality and a teacher’s belief that everyone is called to make a joyful noise. Their banjo work and vocals are steeped in heritage yet brimming with edge.
Maddy lives and breathes the Boston DIY scene—running shows at Club Passim, managing the indie rock band Winkler, and building community through her booking collective handhold. She is as committed to uplifting fellow musicians as she is to carving her own path, and her presence onstage radiates both passion and purpose.
Together, Sweet Petunia creates a sound that is raw, raucous, deeply human, and impossible to forget. If you love folk tradition with a punk heartbeat, this is your show.
Opener Question of the Century is a rising folk duo with gorgeous harmonies and a vintage spirit. Question of the Century is made up of Skidmore students Ellie Ushakov and Francis Davies—both fans of 1960s folk who found instant musical chemistry. Their blend of warmth, lyricism, and heartfelt simplicity is pure magic.
Francis is a former Caffè Lena intern and current volunteer, and Ellie was recently hired as a part-time Lena staff member.
Come experience an evening of bold voices, joyful noise, and new folk energy at Caffè Lena.
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