Monica Rizzio

Monica Rizzio (born 1980) is an American roots singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and educator. Her music blends Americana and country influences, shaped by her Texas upbringing and her life in New England. She was the lead vocalist and co-founder of the folk and country group Tripping Lilly, with whom she released four albums before pursuing a solo career. As of 2024, she had released three solo albums, and has received regional and national recognition for her storytelling and songwriting.

Rizzio is also known for her collaborations with other artists in the genre.

Rizzio left Tripping Lily in 2012 to pursue a solo career. She released her debut solo album Washashore Cowgirl in 2015, an autobiographical record featuring collaborations with Mark Erelli, Charlie Rose, Sierra Hull, and others. Jon Evans, the bassist for Tori Amos, produced the album and also played bass.

Rizzio released her second solo album Sunshine is Free in 2019, recorded in Nashville with fellow singer-songwriters including Mindy Smith, Michael Rinne, Gwen Sebastian, Aaron Raitiere, Carl Anderson, Mark Erelli, and Hayley Sabella. That same year, Rizzio released the single “Lady Liberty” featuring Tom Rush, Patty Larkin, and Mark Erelli.

Beyond her collaborations with Rush, Rizzio has also performed with the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra and has been a supporting act for artists such as Chris Botti, Boz Scaggs, Diana Krall, Joan Osborne, and Slaid Cleaves.

Vinegrass Organization

Rizzio and her husband, Peter Fasano, founded the Vinegrass Organization in 2013 as a non-profit music production company dedicated to supporting the American roots music genre through scholarships, grants, and community outreach. Rizzio has cited her upbringing as an influence in founding Vinegrass, stating “Growing up on a ranch in East Texas, if it weren’t for the people in the community supporting me I might not be the professional musician I am today. I wanted to find a way to pay that back, to try and support people here in my community.” The organization also hosts smaller concerts, camps and workshops throughout the year to further its mission, and as of 2024 had produced over 150 Americana and Bluegrass events.

Discography With Tripping Lilly

The Couch Sessions Live (2006) Ukelele (2008) The Day Everything Became Nothing (2009) Summer (2012)

Solo Albums

All Wrapped Up for the Holidays (2012) Washashore Cowgirl (2016) Sunshine is Free (2019, Washashore Music)