Five2

Five2 formed naturally when three women ? Uniit Carruyo (vocals and guitar,) and sisters Charisse and Yvette Lucente (vocals) ? found rare musical chemistry and forged an instant bond. Since their debut in Fall of 2003, this vocal trio has established a presence in the Ithaca music scene, captivating listeners with atmospheric harmonies and tranquil guitar melodies that imbue contemporary folk music with classic country and pop sensibilities.

Five2's roots run back to 1995, when Kevin Kinsella asked the Lucente Sisters to sing backing vocals for his then new project, John Brown's Body. The result was years of collaboration with JBB and particularly Kinsella, including their appearance on his 1999 solo effort, "ITown Revival". That album caught the attention of Uniit, quickly becoming one of her favorite recordings. ?I loved the record so much,? says Uniit, ?I would sing along to their parts and add a third harmony.?

Already a well-known singer and songwriter in Ithaca's beloved Sim Redmond Band, Uniit eagerly joined the other women when Kinsella arranged for an impromptu rehearsal in her living room. They connected instantly. ?This musician I greatly admired came in with these beautiful low harmonies to our parts in Kevin's songs,? Yvette remembers, ?and it sounded great. Then she played some of her own songs, and they were incredible. I knew that day we had something special with her.?

This mutual admiration and respect shines through at each of their shows. South American in heritage (Uniit is half Venezuelan, Charisse and Yvette are half Peruvian) and diminutive in height, the women of Five2 harmonize vocally and emotionally, conjuring an uncommonly moving experience?both for the audience and for themselves.