Molly in Concert

Molly’s Performance History

Early Years (1988–1997)

Molly’s earliest documented performance was as a soloist for the Moravian Love Feast at First Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina in December 1988, where she sang “Morning Star, O Cheering Sight,” a Moravian hymn.

Molly had a strong desire to learn to sing from an early age. She began formal musical training by taking piano from 1987 to 1994. She played flute as her primary instrument from 1990 to 1997, and also played piccolo from 1995 to 1997. She taught herself basic guitar from 1994 to 1996. In 1996 she began taking voice lessons in both classical and musical theatre styles.

In July 1995, while traveling Europe, Molly performed The Beatles‘ “Yesterday” with a band at a café in Paris, France.

Her foray into musical theatre began in May 1996 when she was cast as an ensemble singer in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice in Durham, North Carolina. In December 1996, she performed as Belle in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, also in Durham. In May 1997, she took on the role of Cinderella in Stephen Sondheim‘s Into The Woods in Durham.

In high school, Molly was classmates with Dean Freelon, son of well-known jazz singer Neena Freelon. Molly often asked Dean if his mother would give her voice lessons. Neena felt more equipt as a performer than teacher, however.

From June to August 1997, Molly was selected as one of six first sopranos in North Carolina to participate in Governor’s School East (GSE) Chorale in Laurinburg, North Carolina, a six-week intensive program.

Discovering Jazz (Late 1990s–Early 2000s)

Molly’s curiosity for jazz truly started in the library of Florida State University when she heard Ella Fitzgerald recording of “A Night in Tunisia” by Dizzie Gillespie. She later transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she took classical voice lessons from Ms. Sharon Szymanski. Szymanski recognized Molly’s vocal potential, telling her she had the voice of a soloist, not just someone in the choir. This encouragement prompted Molly to explore university opportunities for solo singing. She discovered there was an opportunity in the jazz department, but there was one significant problem: Molly knew nothing about jazz and would have to learn.

Jazz Beginnings (2002)

Throughout 2002, Molly performed extensively around Chapel Hill and Durham, North Carolina. Much of her jazz training came from working with accomplished jazz singer Alexis Cole; Molly was her student and regular guest performer in Raleigh and Cary, North Carolina from 2001–2002. During this same period, though not a music major, she auditioned and performed as the soloist for the UNC-CH Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Combos under the direction of Dr. Jim Ketch.

In February 2002, she performed as a soloist for The Carolina Jazz Festival at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with New York City jazz legends pianist Bruce Barth and drummer Adam Cruz, performing Billy Strayhorn‘s “Lush Life.”

In April 2002, Molly performed with the UNC-CH Jazz Combos at Morehead Planetarium in Chapel Hill, singing “Stars Fell on Alabama” (composed by Frank Perkins with lyrics by Mitchell Parish) and “The Gentle Rain” (a 1965 bossa nova composition by Brazilian guitarist Luiz Bonfá, with lyrics by Matt Dubey).

In May 2002, Molly recorded a self-published demo in Durham, North Carolina, showcasing classical, jazz, and Spanish language music. She shared the demo with several artists at the 2002 Billboard Music Awards, hosted by her actor cousin Manolo Cardona. Their aunt’s connections led to a five-year managerial contract offer from a well-known Miami producer. However, negotiations fell through, and Molly declined to sign the contract at that time. When the offer was extended again in 2004, she again chose not to sign.

From May to July 2002, Molly held a residency at Maggiano’s in Durham with pianist Kevin Timmons. In June 2002, she performed “A Night in Tunisia” by Dizzy Gillespie with bassist John Brown at a private event in Chapel Hill. That summer, she also played with her Jazz Combo at various Chapel Hill venues including the Martini Bar, La Residencia “La Rez,” and an Irish Pub, and performed at a private wedding ceremony in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Outside the jazz world, Molly participated in the Songwriter Workshop at Swannanoa Gathering in Swannanoa, North Carolina in 2002, learning from folk singer/songwriters Johnsmith and Christine Kane alongside musicians Jamie Woon, Julie Lloyd, Briana Lane, and Mark Silverman. During this time, she also revisited guitar playing, learning DADGAD. In May 2002, she performed as a first soprano with the Carolina Choir at Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia, alongside GSE friend Jessie Lane McLaughlin.

Continuing Jazz Career (2003–2007)

In May 2003, jazz pianist and Grammy-award winner Chip Crawford invited Molly to perform at JazzVox Fest in Durham, North Carolina. She did local radio promotion with jazz singer Eve Cornelius and performed “Moody’s Mood” by Eddie Jefferson with pianist Chip Crawford. In 2003, Molly also explored jazz violin, performing “Stella by Starlight” by Billy Strayhorn on violin for her juries.

In June 2004, Molly performed with her jazz group at a private wedding at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

In 2004, Molly recorded a techno demo titled “Paradise” in Miami, Florida and released it on MySpace; the project remains formally unpublished.

In May 2005, Molly performed at a private wedding in Bismarck, North Dakota. That same month, she completed an EP titled Freeze Frame with producers John Briggs and Derek Olds of the college band Only Midnight in Raleigh, North Carolina; the EP remains unpublished.

In May 2007, Molly performed at Emmaus Way Church in Durham, North Carolina with producer Wayde Baynham and drummer Dale Baker of Sixpence None The Richer. She also recorded several unreleased songs with Wayde Baynham during this period.

Montana Years (2013–Present)

In December 2009, Molly returned to musical theatre and performed as Glenda in The Wizard of Oz with Whitefish Community Theatre.

In December 2013, Molly performed at the Celebration of Life for Jean Amidon with singer Luke Walwrath and singer/pianist Billy Thompson at Canvas Church in Kalispell, Montana.

In February 2014, she performed at the Love Lives Here Benefit Show at Crush Wine Bar in Whitefish, Montana.

Throughout 2015, Molly had several performances in Whitefish, Montana. She released her EP Pretty Bird, recorded at Snow Ghost Studios in Whitefish and produced by Erica von Kleist. The EP release party and performance took place at Crush Wine Bar in July 2015. On July 16, 2015, she performed a Jazz Show with Erica von Kleist at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. She was a guest performer with Eric Krop and Erica von Kleist at Truby’s on August 19, 2015, and performed as vocalist and pianist at the Gone Fishin’ Whitefish Chamber of Commerce Event at O’Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center in September 2015.

In May 2016, Molly gave a Whitefish Community Radio Interview. In July 2016, she released the Feeling Good EP, recorded at Snoring Hound Studios in Somers, Montana and produced by Erica von Kleist.

On February 17, 2017, Molly performed at the Memorial Service for Velinda Stevens, CEO of Kalispell Regional Healthcare, with Erica von Kleist at Canvas Church in Kalispell, Montana. Throughout 2017, Molly led several services at the Nazarene Church in Whitefish, Montana with pianist Julie Miller. On April 30, 2017, she performed the National Anthem a cappella at the A.L.E.R.T. Helicopter Fundraiser Banquet at the Fairgrounds in Kalispell, Montana.

In November 2019, Molly had writing and recording sessions with producers Dimitri McDowell (whose credits include work with Usher and Lecrae) and Jayde in Los Angeles, California; the 2020 pandemic halted their collaborations. In December 2019, she participated in the Consecration of Montana Bishop Marty Stebbins at Paul’s United Methodist Church in Helena, Montana.

In 2021, as a long-time NF fan, Molly joined TikTok at the prompting of Tommee Proffit, NF’s producer at the time. Proffit commented on her content: “Wow incredible voice! … 😳 Great…”

In May 2023, Molly performed jazz once again with Don Caverly at Tupelos in Whitefish, Montana. On December 23, 2023, she performed a Christmas Jazz Show with Don Caverly at The Firebrand in Whitefish, Montana.

Molly is scheduled to perform at a Jazz Evening at North Valley Music School in Whitefish, Montana on May 3, 2026.

Personal Life

Molly McCune is a licensed psychotherapist with a private practice serving clients in Montana and Florida. She’s also a painter and photographer featured on Saatchi Art, and enjoys hiking, traveling, baking, and spending time outdoors.

Molly is the mother of two daughters. Isabella “Bella” Mitchell competes and teaches figure skating with Glacier Skate Academy (GSA) in Whitefish, Montana. She’s also a pianist and guitarist who loves skiing and hiking. Gianna Mitchell is a creative writing major at the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. She’s an award-winning writer, vocalist, and varsity volleyball player who shares her mother’s passion for hiking and baking.