About

“To me, The Sullivan Sisters stand in that great tradition of bringing honor, excellence and indeed class ... elegance ... to the music of America's front porch."

Michael Johnathon, Host, WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour

The Sullivan Sisters have dazzled audiences since childhood with their unique blend of fast bluegrass picking and captivating sibling harmonies, with music ranging from lyrical originals to timeless folk classics to blazing instrumentals.

Inspired by the bluegrass community in North Carolina where they were born and raised, Soraya and Luciya began taking guitar and banjo lessons at ages 8 and 6. Their music drew influence from the bluegrass community surrounding them, and they carried their love of the genre with them when they relocated to Chicago.

Over the past ten years, The Sullivan Sisters have toured the country as featured performers at Merlefest, the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum’s Romptober Festival, IBMA’s Bluegrass Live Festival, the Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour, and the Evanston Folk Festival. Their instrumental talents have garnered them national distinction, including First Prize in Banjo and Third Prize in Guitar at Rockygrass 2023, and Second Prize in the 2024 Galax Old Fiddlers Convention Bluegrass Banjo contest. 

The sisters have recently formed a five-piece band by joining forces with three phenomenal teen pickers and longtime friends: Oscar Caudell on mandolin, Finn McGuinness on fiddle, and Sammy Mougin on bass. The new band launched its debut to a sold-out, standing room audience in Chicago in January 2025, and has multiple tours planned for 2025 and beyond.


Meet the Band:

  • Soraya Sullivan

    Guitar, Vocals
    Soraya Sullivan is a 19 year old bluegrass guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter based out of Chicago, IL. She got started playing bluegrass at the age of 8, while living in North Carolina. Over the course of her career, she has performed at venues across the country as part of The Sullivan Sisters. She is currently studying American Roots Music at Berklee College of Music.

  • Luciya Sullivan

    Banjo, Vocals
    Luciya Sullivan is a 17 year old banjo player and vocalist. She began playing music at the age of 6, and started playing shows with her sister shortly after. In 2023, she was awarded First Prize at the Rockygrass Banjo Contest, and Second Prize in the 2024 Old Time Fiddlers Convention Adult Banjo Contest. Luciya is an endorsed artist for the Deering Banjo Company. 

  • Oscar Caudell

    Mandolin
    Oscar Caudell, an experienced mandolin and guitar player, started out playing rock and blues on the electric guitar at the age of 7 while living in Chicago.  Several years later, he started delving into the world of bluegrass guitar, eventually picking up mandolin, bass, and banjo. His family relocated to Asheville both for the outdoor lifestyle and the thriving music scene, and he also enjoys playing shows with his family band, Falling Timber.

  • Finn McGuinness

    Fiddle
    Finnegan McGuinness started fiddling when he was four, and began performing at the age of six. He’s played fiddle and mandolin as a solo performer and in many ensembles and small bands at venues throughout Chicago including Lincoln Hall, The Old Town School of Folk Music, and Evanston SPACE. In addition to bluegrass fiddle, he’s an experienced classical violinist and plays Irish, Old Time, and Canadian fiddle styles, as well as jazz. Finn currently lives in Maine and studies with Deanie Richardson.

  • Sammy Mougin

    Bass
    Sammy Mougin is a skilled bass player and electric guitarist with a passion for progressive and genre-blending music. Influenced by artists like Sam Bush, Punch Brothers, New Grass Revival, and Radiohead, he brings a unique mix of bluegrass, rock, and experimental sounds to his playing. He previously performed several shows with the Wyatt Ellis and Friends band, showcasing his versatility and love for live music.