AG Presents is excited to welcome Desert Hollow, but this time, they have hired Maui’s favorite funk group 3 to 5 as their backing band for a full evening of music.
AG Presents Desert Hollow Band – Mulligans Music Box – March 28th.
Haiku-based folk duet Desert Hollow is back, but this time, they have hired Maui’s favorite funk group 3 to 5 as their backing band for a full evening of music.
Desert Hollow has created a recognizable name for themselves here on Maui. Most often, you will catch them in duo or trio form at their residency up at Mahalo Aleworks on Thursday nights, or maybe you’ve seen them before at an intimate evening at the Pro Arts theater, or maybe even you’ve caught them plunking a banjo or two at the cove. It’s true, the musical and life partners Xander Hitzig and Nicole Olney both write original music with intricacy and lyricism that grooves well in a setting where you can sit down and really hear what they are singing about. This night, however, will be a different vibration of Desert Hollow, elevated by Matt Del Olmo on electric guitar, Kevin Garland on drums, Ian Sheridan on bass, and Matt Novotney on organ/keys.
It will be an evening for the books, people. A musical collaboration of historical prominence. There will be a dance floor. There will be special guests. There will be blood. Just kidding. Grab your ticket and your dancing slippahs and let’s go.
A little more about Desert Hollow:
Desert Hollow embodies the blend of geographical and artistic influences that shape this traveling duo, consisting of Xander Hitzig and Nicole Olney. Their musical journey began in Los Angeles, as castmates in a jukebox country musical, their unexpected connection and shared passion for songcraft has since taken them all over the world.
Xander hails from the rolling hills of West Virginia, while Nicole’s roots lie in the vast deserts of California. The influences of their respective hometowns have created a sort of high-lonesome-bluegrass-folk-funk sound. Currently calling Maui, Hawaii, home, they create genre-bending music that speaks to the heart, as Xander often describes it: “folk music-music for the folks.” Xander is a profound multi-instrumentalist and writer, seamlessly playing a variety of stringed instruments, including fiddle, which he also performs with Lukas Nelson. While Nicole’s knack for writing earned a short film of hers a premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Nicole’s powerful lyricism and ethereal voice weaves seamlessly into the rich, diverse soundscapes of their songs, while Xander’s voice carries the weight and clarity of traditional bluegrass music, raw and unadorned. When they harmonize, it feels as though their bond transcends time, as if they’ve been singing together forever—not just musically, but as life partners, intertwined in both love and melody.
Desert Hollow’s performances vary from lively, full-band shows that invite audiences to dance, to more intimate, duet-style sets perfect for quiet reflection. Their music is largely original—captivating songs that feel both timeless and timely. Their live shows leave audiences feeling uplifted, grounded, and inspired long after the music fades.
The release of their debut EP Thirsty garnered attention being described as “a refreshing blend of old-timey folk, blood harmonies, and knee-slapping hoedowns,” quickly landing themselves a feature on NPR Music’s Live Sessions, as well as opportunities to collaborate in out and out of the studio with the likes of Gregory Alan Isakov, Lukas Nelson, John Craigie, and Lily Meola. Spending the last few years touring the U.S. and crafting their sound, Xander and Nicole are excited to announce that their first full-length record is set for release this year. This long-awaited album promises to showcase their musical evolution, with songs that reflect their unique journey and growth as artists.
Doors/Check-in starts at 6:00pm
Show Starts at 7:00pm
Food and drinks are available for purchase throughout the evening
Outdoor tables and seating are first come first serve.
