She’s sleek and beautiful, but like many of us, she’s got miles on her. Two-hundred sixty thousand to be exact. And now, vital parts are failing. At her last checkup, she was taken off the road. For good. Unless she can get a catalytic converter, which costs upwards of $5,500.

Her name is Lulu and she’s been the ride (and sometimes home) for Caswyn Moon and Faith Kelly, two unsigned touring musicians who call themselves, The Wanderers. They are local people who have spent the last several years on the road with Lulu, their silent third band member.

“It humbles us to do this and there’s absolutely no expectation to receive anything, but until we can get a replacement van, we have had to halt all bookings locally and nationally,” explains Kelly of their recently posted Go-Fund-Me. Lulu has spirited this DIY duo over nine national tours. 

“[We’ve] cried and laughed in this van, chased dreams in this van,” continues Kelly. “It’s hard for us to think of touring without her...” 

The Wanderers understand that times are tight for everyone. Their biggest wish, however, is to raise enough money to afford an entirely new van, get Lulu fixed and retire her to Moon’s mom. 

“If you’re a part of making this happen…we’ll play house parties, paint planets, advertise your logo on all upcoming tour T-shirts and posters, [and] promote you in every vlog that we ever do,” promises Kelly. “We may even name the new van after you.” 

Moon and Kelly met in the fall of 2021 during an open mic at Rafter’s Tavern in Callicoon, NY. Texas-born, Moon, grew up in the Catskills while Kelly was cultivated halfway up the Appalachian Trail in Duncannon, Pennsylvania. 

With dual guitars, a Moog Sub 37 synthesizer, and a kazoo, The Wanderers produce music self-described as “perfect for late night car chilling.” Moon’s Americana old-country-laced-grunge combines well with Kelly’s Appalachian twisted-space-folk-rock ‘n’ roll. Especially when Moon’s vocal style (a healing tool for the broken hearted), couples with Kelly’s untrained, Bolan-like, hill-hippy hollers. 

Kelly, in a bikini top and shimmering roller derby shorts, delivers spectacular high kicks, plies, and other athletic antics during performances. “It’s like being in a film except I get to be my most authentic, wild child self. Each show has a different story in my mind that’s part of the energy exchange of the different audiences, so I hope that whatever vibe I’m serving that night can relate to the people.”

Long before The Wanderers, Moon, who always played music, also worked as a short order cook. Kelly was the youngest-ever shift supervisor at Sheetz.

“I followed my dreams after my boss encouraged me to do so,” says Kelly. “Ran off to NYC and worked a lot of production and art department jobs on film sets, became a personal trainer, many odd jobs, coffee shops and since 2017, I’ve been acting, making music or painting planets for my main hustle.” 

Kelly’s film appearances include Walk Away (2020) and Abaddon’s Pit (2024). Both were directed by Matt Nash and Jason Egan. “You can also see me in the Clutch music video for their song ‘In Walks Barbarella’ as well as the Black Dahlia music video for their song ‘Aftermath.’” Her short films can be found at www.FaithKelly.com

Between a tight squeeze and a truck stop shower, The Wanderers have been touring and living out of their 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan for the past four years. Lulu is a cherished and essential band member. “She’s the heartbeat of our mission,” says Kelly. Their mission? Bringing original Catskill Mountain Music to as many places across the USA as possible.

To support The Wanderers quest to rescue Lulu, and get them back on the road, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-the-music-rolling-for-faith-caswyn

RAMONA JAN is the Founder and Director of Yarnslingers, a storytelling group that tells tales both fantastic and true. She is also the roving historian for Callicoon, NY and is often seen giving tours around town. You can email her at callicoonwalkingtours@gmail.com.