Rosie and the Riveters is a female quartet from Saskatoon who revisit the spirit of gospel music with a retro 1940s flare. They are due to perform Friday evening at the Sloan Auditorium, the lower level of the North Battleford Legion. The Battlefords Jazz Society is presenting the show, which will also feature a performance by Raven She Hollers.
The four members of Rosie and the Riveters take their name from the inspiration of the feminist icon who embodies the strength and power that thrive in every woman. The uplifting spirit, positive messaging and catchy melodies of gospel music are what draw these ladies to the genre.
Individually, each member of Rosie and The Riveters has some sort of connection with North Battleford, says Allyson Reigh, one of the members.
Farideh's father lives in Ruddell, and she has also previously performed through the Jazz Society in 2008, touring at the time as Farideh and The Dawne.
In past years, Melissa Nygren has given songwriting workshops in local schools.
Alexis Normand performed at the Dekker Center in 2012 in support of her album, Mirador.
"Lastly," says Reigh, "I performed frequently in the Battlefords Dance Festival when I was growing up. It was a highlight of the year for my sister and I and we have great memories of our time spent there."
Rosie and the Riveters' performance features seductive vocal arrangements, body percussion, an acoustic guitar, scintillating choreography, inviting humour and a whole lot of charm. They sing traditional African American spirituals, toe-tapping bluegrass numbers, contemporary folk songs and original material that leave audiences dancing in the aisle, laughing in their seat or simply awe-struck.
They steer clear from religious conversions and strive to convey positive and uplifting messages that speak to the strength of community and how the power of collaboration can change the world. They are about empowering women to be ambassadors for change in their community. As a testament to this, the band donates 10 per cent of their merchandise sales to microfinance initiatives to fund other woman's projects around the world via Kiva.org. They have invested over $1,000 in women's projects around the world.
Since the band's formation in 2011, they have performed over 80 concerts in Saskatchewan including Juno Fest, the Regina Folk Festival, Ness Creek Music Festival, Summer Solstice Festival and the Northern Lights Bluegrass Festival. Their showcases at the International Folk Alliance Conference, Breakout West, Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Conference, CONTACT Manitoba and OSAC resulted in over 25 bookings in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario and numerous press and industry connections. They have taken Saskatchewan by storm with their sold-out performances and the sales of their first album, Rosie and the Riveters - LIVE.
"They have been playing to rave reviews of late and you will not want to miss this show," says Laird Brittin of the Battlefords Jazz Society.
Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members, available at Bee'J's, Nufloors and from Jazz Society directors. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.
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