Rhythm and Roots: Femme Fatale

The department’s Rhythm and Roots ensemble sheds new light on the meaning of femme fatale, with music by Feist, Laura Nyro, Pack A.D., Regina Spektor, Jefferson Airplane, Joni Mitchell, Florence and the Machine, Jenny Lewis and Ani DiFranco. This is the first Rhythm and Roots ensemble dedicated to women's music and performers. femme fatale is attempting to allow for female musicians, faculty and staff to have an outlet to express themselves and communicate musically while working alongside male musicians, technicians and directors to create a unique dialogue through female inspired musicianship.

The ensemble is directed by Michael Farley and Jordan Pescrillo '12. The ensemble meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30-9 PM in the Underground. The performance is on Thursday, April 19th, 2012 in the Underground at 8 PM.

While the focus is upon women performer/songwriters, men are also welcome to perform and assist with the performance! The Spring 2012 ensemble includes:

Nya Blocker, piano
Elizabeth Canne, clarinet
Srna Dabikj, voice
Michael Farley, director, alto sax, vocals and percussion
Jennifer Fitzwater, ukelele & voice
Traci Fordham, voice & percussion
Dianne Fraserm voice & keyboard
Mallory Garretson, voice
Kitty Higgins, voice
Kevin Irwin, guitar
Sifael Ndandala, percussion
Jordan Pescrillo, asst director, voice & percussion
Barbara Phillips-Farley, piano
Katherine Pierce, violin & voice
Kelly Prime vocal & percussion
Kurt Reh, acoustic & electric bass
Alexis Reinheimer, flute, voice & percussion
Elena Ruiz, voice, percussion & electric guitar
Bob Sauter, sound & technical
Lettie Stratton, electric guitar
Cody Witherell, slide guitar
Shayla Witherell, electric guitar

Our song choices included:
I Met Him on a Sunday by Laura Nyro, I Feel it All by Feist, Making Gestures by Pack A.D., When I Was a Young Girl by Feist, Carpetbaggers by Jenny Lewis, Fidelity by Regina Spektor, 32 Flavors by Ani Difranco, Free Man in Paris by Joni Mitchell, Somebody to Love by Jefferson Airplane, and Dog Days Are Over by Florence and the Machine.

We could not have a successful ensemble without the continuous support of the following individuals: Terry DuBray, Traci Fordham, Selina and her crew for hair & make-up & set design, Andrew Harness, Dale Miguel, Barbara Phillips-Farley, Julia Pomainville, Matt Shoen, Jenette Tario, Alex Smith and Laurie Wyant.