The Mollys were an American folk-rockquintet, influenced by Celtic and Tejano music, and based in Tucson, Arizona. For most of their run, their members were Nancy McCallion, Catherine Zavala, Kevin Schramm, Dan Sorenson and Gary Mackender. They self-released several albums between 1992 and 2011. Craig Harris of Allmusic called them "one of the contemporary folk music's most eclectic bands."
History
Before The Mollys
Three of The Mollys - Nancy McCallion, Catherine Zavala, and Dan Sorenson - had previously performed in the Tucson band Nadine and the MoPhonics.
The Mollys
Nancy McCallion and Catherine Zavala started The Mollys in Tucson in 1989. They were influenced by Celtic and Tejano music, and by The Pogues. For most of their run, the Mollys were Nancy McCallion, Catherine Zavala, Kevin Schramm, Dan Sorenson, and Gary Mackender. Circa 2001, Zavala and Mackender, tired of touring, left the band and Danny Krieger joined. Between 1989 and 2004, The Mollys self-released seven albums, under the publishing name "Apolkalips Now". The Mollys' album Hat Trick was given 4.5/5 stars by Allmusic, while Tidings of Comfort and Joy in 1992 was given 4/5 stars. McCallion and the other remaining members nominallyclosed The Mollys down in 2004. However, through 2012, the band's original five members tended to perform an annual reunion concert in Tucson, typically around St. Patrick's Day or on Halloween, one of which resulted in an additional album.
Beyond The Mollys
As of 2020, all of the former Mollys remain in the Tucson area. Circa 2005-2016, the Last Call Girls, including Kevin Schramm, Nancy McCallion, and her sister Lisa McCallion, performed around Tucson and released one album. During the first decades of the 21st century, Kevin Schramm continued to perform with several other groups, and Dan Sorenson continued his journalism career while also performing occasionally. As of 2020, several of the former Mollys continue to perform in locally, and some have also released recordings. Nancy McCallion performs more than once a month, leading several ensembles, some of which include her husband, and former Molly, Danny Krieger and/or her brother Neil McCallion. Nancy McCallion has also self-released several recordings. Mackender, now on accordion instead of drums, leads performances and recordings with The Carnivaleros. Since 2012, Zavala leads Minute2Minute, which occasionally performs and records.
Moon Over the Interstate expanded version, with additional tracks from previous albums, originally packaged only to carry and sell during the Mollys' tour of Australia
