What Annie has to say about the bands influences... "I realized one day that we were missing something- a strong social life with other strong women. Amy Finders and I sat down one day and realized that all of our most precious artistic endeavors were tainted by money and a desire to be a successful business. We wanted to form a project that was about the art itself to balance out these other issues. The Awful Purdies is actually a secret coven motivating for social change and a better world for all of us freaky female types. (smile back ) But really- we spend an awful lot of our time talking about being a woman, being an artist, and balancing all of this with responsible parenthood and friendship. Oh. And we also play music. We hope to create a niche for ourselves as women who play beautiful sisterly music and play benefits especially for other organizations that cater to women and their partners and families."
Formed in the summer of 2006 by former member Amy Finders and founding member Annie Savage, Awful Purdies was the answer to the question, "Is there a musical life for women after children, family and career?" Presently recording their first album, the Awful Purdies is now Iowa's premier all female group. A 5 piece all female band, Awful Purdies features Annie Savage on fiddle and concert harp, Katie Roche on accordion, whistles and percussion, Marcy Rosenbaum on guitar, Nicole Upchurch on banjo and Katie Burnes ..o. All singers and songwriters, the Awful Purdies original music is as diverse as the backgrounds of the women in the group. To say they play one genre of music would be wrong, but to say that they play their kind of music would only be a start. From Upchurch's story telling bluegrass tunes and Roche's word-heavy tangential songs to Rosenbaum's a capella testimonials and Burnes and Savage's soaring string compositions, the Awful Purdies are always a surprise. Former member Gabrielle Kouri also serves as a ghost songwriter for the group, lending such tunes as "Mechanical Ditch Digger" to the bands repertoire. Visit www.myspace.com/awfulpurdies for more information on the band!
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LOYAL EARTH MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL : APR 16 thru APR 20 - Old Rock House, Downtown St. Louis : Visit Loyalearth.com for tickets, full lineup, and more info!
I have two upcoming musical performances that I wanted to let you know about!
July 6, 1:30 and 3:30 at the Iowa City Jazz Festival "Katie Roche and The Dioramas will play on the Local Stage at the Iowa City Jazz Festival. The festivals Local Stage is located on Clinton Street, the stage closest to Jefferson Street. Katie has chosen to perform music from her album, "Hell's Heavy Gates" for the first time in Iowa City since it was recorded 4 years ago in NYC. The variety of genres offered on "Hell's Heavy Gates" is like a diorama in the sense that each song is a peek into another world, focused on story telling and seeped in dark and descriptive imagery. Seasoned jazz musicians Marc Gratama (Chicago) on drums, Tim Daugherty (Cedar Rapids) on piano and Scott Barnum (Iowa City/Boston) on bass bring the album to life on the festival stage. With tunes like "My love there is no worry" and "Fire and Water" the performance will run from earthy, soulful chant like songs to lyrical collaborations with late Russian poetess Anna Ahmatova. Look out for a seriously powerful jazz adaption of "Caleb Meyer" by Gillian Welsh and re-appropriated anti-war selections like the standard "I Cover the Waterfront."
July 11, We Funk at Camp Euphoria We Funk is a Parliament/P-Funk/Funkadelic tribute band. Imagine 12-20 musicians on stage, trying to summon the mother ship of funk for 5 hours straight. You will boogie... Camp Euphoria is a 2 day music festival that takes place in Lone Tree, Iowa on a beautiful farm. Local band Euforquestra and friends put it all together. Camp out and become a festivarian for the weekend. I will be singing with We Funk on Friday night, at midnight, just after Public Property. All the information you need is HERE: http://www. campeuforia. com
Hiya Ladies, That's for sure--I'm hoping to get an HMDMusicSpace up and running, then I'll finally be able to share all of this strange, eclectic music that I've got running through my veins. Keep on singin' ~Hannah
you were thoroughly amazing and i am thoroughly inspired. thank you. i left a bit of my heart there with all of you, felt it stay even as i was walking out the door...big love for you.
Thanks for playing with us at the Que Bar last night. Your new lineup is awesome, and the Gashlycrumb Tinies reading with was the highlight of the evening for me. Purdies rule!
Hey, I got a classy new lady friend I want to impress, so you got to post a bulletin or send me notice next time you play anywhere on the Iowa City/ Dubuque axis.
You ladies were simply amazing last night...so much so that I hereby vow to never miss one of your gigs (well, or to at least try not to miss them)! Any band that has a banjo AND an accordion is a great band in my opinion. Best of luck to you.
Great show last night! I brought my mom and sister to the show (they're visiting from out of town), and between you and the Mayflies they're now convinced Iowa City is the musical capital of the world. Hard to argue with 'em... :)
Why, a personal serenade would be grand! But only if you return the favor.
I forsee many oddly shaped foods in our future....sandals, hats, rhombuses, and perhaps...saucer shaped.
Affectionately yours,
Them Mayflies
Great show last night, Purdies! I had to leave after the first set, though, so I'm dying to know what transpired between Sylvia, Fred, and Ms. Marion...
