Nika, Nicole and Natalie, oh my! The second concert of the community concert series features identical triplets in the band Taylor Red—one of the hottest country acts around. The three versatile young women play a variety of instruments, write songs, and have a lot of fun performing ’90s country music, as well as older songs like Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” Their sound is also influenced by The Chicks and Shania Twain. 

The group, which derives its name from the trio’s iconic red hair, has performed over 1,000 live shows across America and internationally. Taylor Red has opened for country greats such as Amy Grant, Charlie Daniels, Diamond Rio, Josh Turner, Neil McCoy and Ray Stevens.  

For every wannabe music star there are hundreds who never make it to the top. Taylor Red’s goal was to be featured on one of the largest country playlists on Spotify, which they did. They then achieved viral fame on TikTok’s social media platform, where seven million people follow them. They also appeared in commercials for Sonic Drive-in, and have been featured in People magazine. 

Growing up in the small town of Wade, Mississippi, on the Gulf Coast, the Taylor sisters’ music influences were largely shaped by their mother. 

“Our mom was a huge music fan,” said Nicole. “We grew up listening to The Judds with her and watching ‘Hee Haw’ and the Mandrell sisters a lot.” 

As they listened to the radio, their mother pointed out different instruments, which they began to recognize by sound alone. As a result, today Nika and Nicole play mostly by ear.

Their mom’s favorite artists inspired the girls, and at age 11 they began to sing pop songs, transitioning to country two years later. 

“She had no clue we would actually start a band!” Nicole said.

Their father supported their dream, too. When he wasn’t busy running a small business, he took them to music lessons and performances, which involved lugging around a lot of instruments. Nika picks the guitar; Natalie plays fiddle, piano and mandolin; and Nicole picks the banjo and guitar. 

As the group gained fame, the Taylors moved to Nashville. It was a shock at first, but they soon adjusted to life in the big city and took advantage of opportunities in the music industry. It seems the sisters were born to perform and they thoroughly love it.

“Meeting fans and interacting with the audience is the best part of performing,” said Nicole. The least favorite? “Having to leave after meeting so many people and not getting to experience all the amazing things each town has to offer.”

Win free tickets from the BEACON!

Send in your answers along with your name and phone number by Friday, Sept 10, 2021, to [email protected] or PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

Taylor Red: October 8, 7:30 p.m. Avalon Theatre

Answer the question below correctly to be entered into a drawing for 2 tickets to see Taylor Red at the Avalon Theatre.

To see the rest of the 2021-22 season lineup, visit www.CommunityConcertsGrandValley.org