Weeda Skirts

Hailing from the Flint Hills and inspired by the Tallgrass Prairie, Weda Skirts are a 5-piece bluegrass-adjacent vocal group with a devout Kansas following. Originally formed in the summer of 2009 as "The Skirts," the group was founded by Elexa Dawson, Melissa Tastove, and Sarah Bays, quickly expanding to include Emily Wilson on mandolin and Rachel Allai on fiddle. In 2019, they added "Weda" to their name to "confuse and confound" their fan base—a move summed up by their mantra: "weda weda weda... you either get it, or you don't".

The group has charmed audiences since 2008 with a folky style defined by soaring harmonies and danceable rhythms. Their repertoire centers on original compositions but frequently features "homemade" renditions of popular rock and folk songs. Over the years, they have evolved through significant recordings, including their first full-length studio album Many Moons, the 2017 follow-up Mother, and a 2020 live recording from Kaw Valley Public House. Weda Skirts have brought their distinct sound to notable stages such as the Walnut Valley Festival, Lovegrass, and the Green Guitar Folk House.