Milwaukee’s SistaStrings join Metallica for historic acoustic performance

Milwaukee-born duo SistaStrings performed with Metallica at the YouTube Theatre on December 13. The performance celebrated Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation charity event. The full concert premieres December 19 at 3 PM EST on YouTube’s platform. Sisters Monique and Chauntee Ross opened the show with their signature string arrangements. The duo later joined Metallica for two songs during the headlining acoustic set.

The collaboration marks another milestone for SistaStrings, who won Instrumentalist of the Year at the Americana Music Awards. The honor placed them alongside respected nominees like Isa Burke and Jeff Picker. SistaStrings’ rise in the music industry began in Milwaukee’s local scene in 2014. Their move to Nashville in 2020 opened doors to collaborations with country music stars.

The Ross sisters recently performed with Joni Mitchell at the 66th Grammy Awards. They also contributed to Alice Randall’s groundbreaking project “My Black Country.” HYFIN, Milwaukee’s urban radio station, recognized SistaStrings’ talent early on. The duo received HYFIN’s first Musician of the Year award at the 2023 Anti-Gala. The sisters started their musical journey before age five. Their classical training merged with contemporary styles creates unique arrangements.

Recent collaborations include work with Brandi Carlile and Allison Russell. These partnerships showcase their versatility across musical genres. Fans can preview the performance through a YouTube clip of “If Darkness Had a Son.” This acoustic rendition features SistaStrings’ unique string accompaniment.

The Metallica performance caps off a remarkable year for the duo. The complete concert will stream on December 19 on YouTube’s official platform.