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 The Awful Purdies are 5 piece all female band featuring mostly original and some borrowed music.
All active musicians in other projects The Awful Purdies was the brain child of Annie Savage, formerly the back up singer, fiddle and harp player for The Mayflies. Katie Roche was the lead singer for The Broke Out Steppers, Thee Almightly Handclaps!, The Dioramas and played jug for Escape the Floodwater Jug Band. Marcy Rosenbaum is the guitar player for the rare but wonderful Half Fast. Katie Burnes is the cello player with Sarah Cram, who also does session work. Nicole Upchurch comes from a lifetime of playing bluegrass out west.
Together The Awful Purdies bring together thier diverse backgrounds and strange aray of instruments to create a sound that can only come from women... these women. Savage's time living in Turkey (and years of studying concert Harp), Roche's background in jazz composition and hip-hop, Burnsie's motown cello, Nicoles golden voice and pure pluck banjo and don't forget Rosenbaum's natural tone and steady playing which is the backbone that keeps the beast standing.
So...expect anything: traditional Turkish dervishes, yodeling, twisted bluegrass, story time, gorgeous vocal arrangements, vocal arrangements that sound like they are straight out of a black and white cartoon, danceable warbles, drinkable fables... When The Awful Purdies are the headliner, expect a show presented in a thematic style: a radio show, a history lesson, a confessional, a therapy session... Each Purdie headlined show comes with a handmade program or a keepsake, something to remember the night by which serves as a guide to the nights performance. Always ironic, always purdie. Expect an awful night of music. Awful Purdie? Mighty Fine!
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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...
Dear Lord have mercy on my soul. Enough talent in one group, or what? Yeesh. And the thing of it is, every single one of you could kick my ass blindfolded, so I won't make any "oh, that's purdy awful" kind of jokes...
