Photos

The Wolff Sisters @ White Lake Studios, 6/25/2026

Written by Evan Lauber on July 1, 2026

While on assignment checking my email in Buffalo, I was asked to photograph last Thursday night’s Upstate Unplugged concert at White Lake Studios. I agreed instantly, not even taking note of who the act was, as I was multitasking and also never heard of The Wolff Sisters – most likely as I’m not in the loop on the Boston music scene. Plus David and Anna always select amazing artists for their shows. Upstate Unplugged does an amazing job of showcasing acts that are doing great in their market and are often touring, but may not be on the radio yet, and most likely are new for most people out on the indie scene. So the question comes down to: who are the Wolff Sisters? They start off their show speaking of a heckler who was disappointed, as he expected a sister duo and instead got a trio. I’m sure this individual enjoyed the show as the keyboards added a great sound to the mix. The Wolff Sisters are a Boston-based trio consisting of sisters Rebecca (acoustic guitar), Rachael (electric guitar), and Kat (keys). They won the Boston Music Award for Americana Artist of the Year in 2020.

While in the studio listening to the show and watching David Bourgeois mix the show, subconsciously I must have been trying to figure out who these women were… Why do I (like so many others) think I have to compare and categorize music? I whispered that they sound a little like the Indigo Girls to Rob (Smittix) and Art (Fredette). To paraphrase, I recall Art whispering that Rachael’s guitar playing reminded him of one of the world’s best: Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits.

The question remains: who are these sisters? After the show, when speaking with Rebecca at the merch table, I asked which CD she recommends. The most recent one is where the band is at now, and since I liked the show, she recommended that one. I’m sure I will love it, and then want to hear their earlier albums and how they evolved to where they are now. There’s so much talent here, and such a unique experience; words can’t describe it all. With all the amazing undiscovered acts out there, The Wolff Sisters are one of the tops on my list; this show was just a tease, as there are several more songs of theirs to experience on older albums. Their performance inspires more art to be made, which is exactly how these photos became so artsy, as they were captured during their show … while leaving some of the mystery of who they are. I look forward to seeing the Wolff Sisters again as their music evolves.

Photography by Evan Lauber.