Delta Rae will wrap up the Maintenance Shop’s semester Saturday with soulful folk-country. 

The six-piece group was originally formed in 2009 by the Holljes siblings, Ian, Eric and Brittany, with friend Liz Hopkins. They had their first gig at Duke University later that year, the alma matter of Eric and Ian Holljes.

The group later added Mike McKee and Grant Emerson to the group and have been playing together for almost 10 years without any changes to membership.

“It’s going to be a great last show,” said Angela Chamberlain, co-director of the Maintenance Shop. “[Delta Rae] usually sell out bigger arenas so it’s going to be awesome to have them in such a smaller place.”

The name Delta Rae comes from a Greek goddess created by the Holljes’ mother in a mythical story. The story revolves around a young girl who calls on Delta Rae for help. Using this story and motivation, the primary writers, Ian and Eric, focus their lyric writing on stories of family and life.

Between the four vocalists, Ian, Eric, Liz and Brittany cover all four vocal parts; tenor, baritone, alto and soprano, creating a harmonic melody with a wide range. 

Delta Rae is currently wrapping up their 16-week show in Nashville. The Delta Rae Revival has taken place every Wednesday since September in The Basement in Nashville.

Every Wednesday, the group transforms the venue into a “haunted southern chapel with fake walls and windows that align with what’s happening in the songs,” Hopkins said.

The set list and the “chapel” change every week, creating a new and unique show for fans.

Each week the group is joined on stage with two other artists and an opener. Past artists have included Southern Avenue, Carolina Story and Cheap Trick. Hopkins has been the one in charge of booking and organizing the opening acts.

“It’s something we’ve always dreamed of doing and finally we are giving it a try,” Hopkins said.

She hopes that they do something similar in the future, but would want a bigger budget to do more with.

Delta Rae stands out easily from other artists by creating their own, unique sound. They’ve been labeled as everything from folk and country, to Americana and gospel.

“At the end of the day, we just want to play the music that is in our hearts,” Hopkins said. “Label doesn’t matter.”

The group released their first album, “Carry the Fire,” in 2012, and their second, “After It All,” in 2015. They are now starting the preproduction process for their third studio album. They have dropped singles including “Hands Dirty” and “Do You Ever Dream” this year, providing a little taste of what to expect from their next project.  

“There will be storytelling with big theatrical southern gothic soundscapes that we love to create,” Hopkins said. “We have not lost sight of that, and we are making sure to reconnect with that for our fans who have been there since the jump.”

“Hands Dirty” has been an important piece for the group with the country’s current stance on women’s rights and equality.

“A song for women, for equality, for representation. For anyone who’s had to fight for their place in this world,” Delta Rae posted on their social media page in October, before the midterm elections.

The group has been huge advocates for teacher appreciation as well. Each show, Delta Rae takes nominations for qualified teachers who have made an impact in someone’s life. Three members of Delta Rae were teachers before pursuing a career music.

“Teachers are a hardworking group of people who don’t get the gratitude and thanks that they deserve,” Hopkins said, a former math teacher. “[Delta Rae] wouldn’t be a band without those teachers who encouraged us to go into the arts.”

Two teachers in the Ames area have been selected and gifted tickets by Delta Rae. In addition to tickets to the show, the teachers received a merchandise gift package and acknowledgment during the show.

One of their songs, “A Long and Happy Life,” released in 2017 on their “A Long and Happy Life” EP was inspired by Ian’s former English professor. Delta Rae is still looking for teachers to be recommended. Nominations can be submitted on their website.

“I’ve never witnessed a bad concert in the M-Shop,” said Matthew Schroeder, co-director of the M-Shop. “I’m excited to see what this show will be like.”

The show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday, doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Maintenance Shop box office or online at midwestix.com.