Rita Hosking is fast becoming a well known performer that blends bluegrass, country and folk into passionate sounds and stories. She was raised in the mountains of eastern Shasta County, Northern California, where she internalized dusty woodsheds, the scent of spring-water, forest fires and the troubles of rural economies. Her musical experience began as a child at church, and under the wings of an old time jug band made up of seasoned mountain characters. A descendant of Cornish miners who sang in the mines, Rita grew up with deep regard for folk music and the power of the voice.

On an old Gibson guitar her friends bought for her, Rita began composing songs at age 20. Still writing and now performing with her band “Cousin Jack�, Rita plays rootsy, bluegrass-mountain music of the West. “Her voice has that lonely, experienced voice of the mountain people, though her mountains were in Northern California.�—B. Hough for the California Bluegrass Association. “Her voice gripped me and did not let go,� –Joe Craven.

Cousin Jack, an ensemble of Sean Feder on banjo and guitar, Bill Dakin on upright bass and guitar, and Andy Lentz on fiddle, embrace and deliver Rita’s and other old-time tunes with soulful harmonies, drive and sensitivity. Their debut, 2005 album "Are You Ready?" received national airplay, and inspired Eric Rice of KVMR’s 20 year old Countyline Bluegrass Show to name Rita Hosking as “Best New Artist� that year. Says Eric, “Rita Hosking is the best bluegrass songbird in Northern California.� More accolades and enthusiastic audiences garnered Rita and Cousin Jack a main stage set at the prestigious Strawberry Music Festival this past spring.