About Mark & Raianne

Learn more about the roots of Massachusetts folk musicians, Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards.

"Steeped in references to nature, the environment and dilemmas of modern life, their beautifully harmonised singing is soothing to the soul, despite the sometimes troubling subject matter. Their harmonies are intuitive and exquisite."

Eilís Boland Lonesome Highway - Music Reviews (Ireland)

"The best part of their performance is the undeniable chemistry Mark and Raianne have together; they play with a comfortability and trust that can only come with years of partnership. They allow enough space in their musical bond for us to settle in and witness some serious songwriting and playing."

Fred Knittel WXPN Folkadelphia (Philadelphia, PA)

Massachusetts-based Musicians

Little by little, you will get to know Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards through their unmistakable vocal harmonies, poetic lyrics and down-to-earth personae. These prolific songwriters from central Massachusetts have recorded four eponymous studio albums in addition to thirteen live releases, touring regularly across the US and Canada.

Touches of Nature & Post-Industrial Era

Their song lyrics reflect personal experiences as factory workers, teachers, and natives of New England’s post-industrial mill towns as well as address timeless quandaries of the human condition head on – themes of love, loss, desire and purpose. Having toured for over 20 years, Mandeville and Richards have mastered art of folk music performance, cleverly weaving together stories and songs, seamlessly balancing serious subjects with humorous commentary. Concert goers will leave feeling a bit more human, as if they have experienced something genuine.

Multi-instrumentalists

Accompanying themselves on guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, ukulele, penny whistle, electric bass, tenor guitar and clarinet, their live performances are musically captivating and skillfully blend a broad variety of influences from across folk music genres.

Promoting Local Arts

Each summer since 2010, Mandeville & Richards have organized the Massachusetts Walking Tour where they hike the roads and trails of the Commonwealth, more than 100 miles in less than two weeks, in support of the arts in local communities along the way. Each evening they stop over in yet another Massachusetts town, putting on a free concert there, along with local performers and fellow artists who accompany them on their journey. These annual two-week treks raise awareness of the trails and greenways in Massachusetts, including daily public hikes through recreational properties. The Massachusetts Walking Tour has partnered with The National Parks Service, Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Freedom’s Way, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Trustees, with primary funding through grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council Program.

In 2024, the duo also took over their beloved music school Blackstone Valley Music, transitioning it into a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to better provide quality music education and arts programing for central Massachusetts.

Notes from Fans...

“Mark and Raianne gave an outstanding performance tonight to a sold-out house at the Listening Room where they were able to accomplish something few musicians can do – they totally captivated their audience with two sets of flawless original songs and presented their music with strength and sensitivity.”

"Grain by Grain is a sweet, heartwarming record, made with love and passion, that should introduce Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards to the wider audience they clearly deserve.”

“It was a privilege hearing these two. Not only was their musicianship flawless and exquisite, the lyrics were clever, full of humanity, kindness and fun.”

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