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THANK YOU to everyone involved in the Rising Tide series. It will return.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                  March 11, 2005
Contact: Empress Action PR (617) 789-4044, Michelle@EmpressAction.com  
Event: Anngelle Wood Productions Presents: The Rising Tide Series
Date: Thursday, March 24, 2005
Venue: Great Scott, 1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA 02134
Performing: Mercy James Gang, Humanwine, Van Elk, New Blood and Cabiria
Time, Cover & Age: 9PM Show, $7, 18+

CELEBRATING THE 25th ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Allston, MA – The very first show in what’s become the Rising Tide series took place in March of 2002 as part of an event celebrating Women's History Month. In keeping with her original concept to showcase local female musicians and their bands, the next installment of Anngelle Wood’s successful series will pay tribute to this, the 25th anniversary of Women's History Month, established by the National Women's History Project, an organization committed to recognizing and celebrating the diverse and significant historical accomplishments of women, the month-long celebration is intended to raise awareness and recognize the accomplishments of women in American history. 

The 2005 Women's History Month theme, "Women Change America", honors and recognizes the role of American women in transforming culture, history and politics as leaders, writers, scientists, educators, politicians, artists, historians and informed citizens.  Wood created the Rising Tide series initially as a way to help spotlight female artists and musicians and continues the series as a means of solidarity and support for local female artists and their bands. The idea behind the series fits nicely with this month’s theme in that all 5 bands scheduled to perform feature female artists creating extraordinarily unique music that aids in transforming current musical culture. 

The next Rising Tide series event takes place at the up-and-coming indie-rock venue Great Scott on March 24. Bands scheduled to perform include Mercy James Gang, once a trio, they realized they couldn’t quite match the recorded product live without another voice. Not just any voice however. Nicole Berard joined on keyboards and vocals and with her experience with an Alice Cooper tribute act as well as other theatrical productions, was a creative and comfortable fit. Mercy James Gang’s music is best described as odd pop songs blended with layers of sounds and provides a diverse stratum of sounds through its lively performance.  

In less than a year’s time, Humanwine is already making a name for itself in the rumbling of the underground from Toronto to Boston. A six –piece band fronted by Holly Brewer, the foundation of Humanwine and inspired by Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance, Holly has known since 1st grade she would be a singer when she grew up, and with her voice it would have been a tragedy had she not.  Her luscious, ethereal vocals are intertwined with varied musical underpinnings created by her writing partner/guitarist Matt McNiss.

Van Elk is an anagram of Val (Forgione) and Ken (Michaels), the force behind the music.  Val, best known as the lead singer for the band Mistlethrush, joined Van Elk as a side project while Mistlethrush continues its hiatus.  The beautiful melodies are overlaid with rich vocal harmonies, providing the listener with a joyous aural experience.   

What sets New Blood apart is that they don't sound like anyone but themselves.  Pure, melodic and utterly captivating, due in part to violinist Rigel, playing both acoustic and electric violin, her string lines create the unique and defining aspect of the band; although classical trained, she is much more interested in creating original sounds and styles that will mesh with the rock vibe of New Blood; sounds that are intertwined in every song with eerie lullabies, sound effects, and dynamic solos. 

Cabiria starts off the night with the otherworldly vocals of Valerie Brinker accompanied by Erin Mcfee's seductive violin playing. Emphasizing melody through the vocals, Cabiria also incorporates ambient, effects-laden chordal harmonies with guitars, keyboards and triggering. 

This installment of the Rising Tide series promises to be an auditory jubilation for those who favor vocal melody, harmony and beauty. Contact Empress Action PR for more information.  Photos available for download at: http://www.empressaction.com/risingtide.htm

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Press on September 18, 2004 show :

Boston Phoenix - LOCAL ROCK. WFNX DJ Anngelle Wood’s "Rising Tide" series, which highlights up-and-coming female rockers, continues at the Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, with former Shiva Speedway frontwoman Heidi Saperstein playing sultry, dark-hued songs from her recent Zara (Kimchee), the Sonic Youth–ish avant-rock band Lady of Spain, and sets from Laura Ponce, Plumerai, and Cat Sutherland; call (617) 547-0759.

Boston Herald 

Rising Tide women raising the roof
By Linda Laban
Friday, September 17, 2004

Local, independent and female. It might sound like a personals ad, but it's actually the short-form agenda for ``The Rising Tide Music Series,'' the latest installment of which will take place tomorrow at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge.

In the post-Lilith Fair era, female artists, particularly local ones, have tended to slip back under the radar.

`For a very long time the music women have been making has been overshadowed,'' said Rising Tide organizer Anngelle Wood, who, as the weekday morning DJ on WFNX-FM, found that women rock musicians around town were in need of an outlet for exposure.

Rising Tide's goal is to expose audiences to new bands featuring female musicians. But the shows don't necessarily exclude the boys.

``I don't focus necessarily on female voices, the band can be fronted by a male singer, but it has to have women prominently involved in making the music,'' Wood said.

``It's something I always wanted to do,'' she said of the series. ``But I wasn't sure how to do it. Being in my position, you have to be creative and get people excited about it.''

Rising Tide debuted in June 2003 as part of an event held in honor of National Women's History Month. ``So far, so good,'' Wood said. ``Every show has got more attention and the vibe every time I throw one of these things is amazing.''

Tomorrow's 21-plus show will feature headliner Heidi Saperstein, formerly of Shiva Speedway, whose latest CD, ``Kara,'' is a solo effort on Kimchee Records.

Also playing is Lady of Spain, a new four-piece band featuring Anna Cimini, that Wood describes as having a Sonic Youth-meets-Come sound; Laura Ponce of the Drakes, performing solo; Plumerai, a new band with an atmospheric slowcore sound that's fronted by singer Kathryn Zmrzlik; and Cat Sutherland (ex-Volition), who opens the event.

The Lizard Lounge's earlier acoustic spot, Soul Low, will feature Carlene Barous of Din.

``It's an evening of all girls,'' said Wood, before adding, ``and their bands. We like boys, too!''

( The Rising Tide Music Series, tomorrow, 9 p.m. at the Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. $7; Soul Low, 7 p.m.; no cover. )

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   

September 1, 2004
Rising Tide Music Series, presented by Anngelle Wood with MusicforAmerica.org
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Lizard Lounge, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA
Lady of Spain, Heidi Saperstein, Laura Ponce, Plumerai, Cat Sutherland
9pm,  $7,  21+

FEMALE ARTISTS ON THE RISE IN BOSTON

Cambridge, MA - When it comes to supporting independent music, you'd have to get up pretty early in the morning to beat Anngelle Wood's spirited contribution.  Literally before dawn since the WFNX Radio DJ is in front of her microphone by 6 AM every weekday.  This raven-haired rock advocate uses more than just her engaging voice to rally support of local music; she's also the brains behind the Rising Tide Music Series. 

Anngelle's first Rising Tide show was part of an event held in honor of National Women's History Month.  The event featured musical acts with women as band members, an attractive idea to this DJ who'd witnessed the radio trend shift gradually away from female-created music until, appallingly, there were almost no women on the airwaves. Concerned that this trend threatened the local Boston rock scene, Anngelle took action.  "I was aware that women were making good music but that it wasn't getting the same amount of attention," she says. "I was also aware of the massive talent pool here. I wanted to do something, so I did."  It is this desire to make a difference that drives Wood's support of local music.  Not surprisingly, this need to make a difference is not just limited to local music.  "Pet Project" was created by Wood to raise awareness for the plight of abused and abandoned animals.  Each month on 'FNX she features an animal at a shelter in hopes of finding them a home

One year after Rising Tide's 2003 debut, Anngelle reports that "Female voices on rock radio are no longer a thing of the past, though I'd be happy to hear a lot more."  She has continued the series in an effort to show solidarity, support and appreciation of local bands featuring female musicians.  Her goal with this series is to expose audiences to new bands and for them to be pleasantly surprised by what they find at a Rising Tide series show.
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The next installment of the Rising Tide series, co-sponsored by grassroots political activists "Music for America," rolls into the intimate Lizard Lounge on September 18th with a stellar line-up. Headliner Heidi Saperstein (ex- Shiva Speedway) has garnered impressive reviews for her lyrically dark and emotionally compelling music. With her mysterious stage presence, Saperstein's vocals are warm and flexible, with a hint of raw aggression.  Lady of Spain, a brand new four-piece featuring Anna Cimini, imparts a Sonic Youth meets Come style and sound.  Laura Ponce (The Drakes), in her solo project, performs a set of instantly memorable love songs.  Newcomers Plumerai, featuring the meaty vocals of Kathryn Zmrzlik, offer up their haunting brand of shoe-gazing-trip hop. Cat Sutherland (ex-Volition) opens the night with an acoustic performance showcasing her poignantly alluring voice.

Contact Empress Action PR for more information.  Photos available for download at: http://www.empressaction.com/risingtide

Rising Tide show 4
Feb 14, 2004

The fourth show in the series was sold out. Thank you to Chroma, Starla Dear, Sugabomb, The Kitty  Kill, and Drab for an excellent night. Thanks also go to Billy Beard and the Lizard staff, Powderfinger for PR, Boston Girl Guide, and Carly Cariloi at the Phoenix. The Rising Tide continues in the spring. Send your press kit/cd to be added to the growing list of bands. See contact page.

Some press:
"Heart-Shaped Rock" - an editor's pick by Boston Phoenix's Carly Carioli:

No, it's not a festival devoted to girls shaped like Nancy Wilson. But "Heart Shaped Rock," the latest edition of WFNX DJ Anngelle Wood's "Rising Tide" series, is a Valentine to local rock ladies with an emphasis on the raw, loud stuff. Headliners Chroma, making their debut, team two of Boston's most ferocious women in rock: Meaghan McLaughlin, the former Barbaro guitarist who wrote a couple of haunting, bruised solo albums about her bouts with boys and the bottle, and Chelsea on Fire's Amy DiSciullo. Also on tonight's bill: the K Records-style grrrl-punk trio the Kitty Kill; Donnas-ish hard-rock starlets Starla Dear; glam-metal babes Sugabomb; and Providence's Drab. That's at the Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge; tickets are $7. Call (617) 547-0759.

THE RISING TIDE SERIES PRESENTS: "HEART-SHAPED ROCK" – BRING YOUR SWEETIE, OR JUST YOUR LOVE OF ROCK N’ ROLL, TO THE LIZARD LOUNGE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 - COURTESY OF ANNGELLE WOOD OF FNX

The line-up for February 14 includes Chroma in their debut performance featuring solo artist and ex-member of Barbaro and Rock City Crimewave, Meaghan McLaughlin, also Amy DiSciullo, formerly of Chelseaonfire. Finishing touches to the line-up came in October and they have been writing new songs ever since. To best describe their sound the band called it a melodic cacophony, both textured and bombastic with lots of layers. The Kitty Kill is a no-frills, punk-edged three piece consisting of Sandrine Merhy’s thick alto lyrics and steady insistent guitar, Jenn Dagger’s cock sure chunky bass, and Jen Chouinard’s ballistic and fail-safe drums. They earn your full attention and have managed to carry their brand of rock across the U.S. (and parts of Canada) and back. Starla Dear is the proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes of what was the much-hyped Boston band The Fuzzy Pinks. Featuring Audrey Coyle, Lulu Neville and Acadia Watson, Starla Dear’s debut EP "Let’s Do This" is rich with seductive sounds, angst-y hard rocking numbers as well as delicate and sweet ballads. Sugabomb’s sound is a veritable buffet to include punk, metal, classic rock, glam, and straight up rock n’ roll. With the energetic Vikki Sixx out front and Sandy Monticello on bass, they have been compared to the likes of The Ramones, AC/DC, and our favorite 70s rock tarts The Runaways. Drab, lead by singer/songwriter/guitarist Tanya Pearson, comes to us straight out of Providence and shares a strong resemblance to The Pixies, Helium and punk legends Sonic Youth; so said a recent article in the Providence Phoenix. Their music has been described as "melodically discordant" and began in Tanya’s bedroom during the summer of 2001 using an eight-track recorder, a drum machine, a generic keyboard, and all of the guitars she had collected over the years. She recorded the entire album alone. Those home recordings demonstrate Tanya’s apt and capable talent as a songwriter. The Allston, MA label Easton Punk Records released her first twenty song disc entitled "Dinosaur World" as well as her second eight song demo, "Johnny Appleseed Was A F*cking Biological Terrorist".

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Loveless will play live on the FNX morning show on Thursday morning, November 6.

Contact:
Anngelle Wood
WFNX
101.7 Boston | 92.1 NH and ME
25 Exchange St.
Lynn, MA 01901
781-595-6200
www.anngellewood.com

Rising Tide show 2
Sept 11, 2003

Performances by Fritter, Starr Faithfull, Eileen Rose, amusia, The Ruby Lashes

Boston, August 19, 2003 - Following a successful debut in June, Anngelle Wood of FNX Radio presents the second show in The Rising Tide Concert Series, a showcase for female rock acts from New England, on Thursday, September 11, at the Paradise Lounge. Acts for this performance include Fritter, Starr Faithfull, Eileen Rose, amusia and The Ruby Lashes. Doors are at 7:00 p.m., the show is 21+, and tickets are $5. The Paradise Lounge is located at 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, 617-562-8804.

When asked about the idea behind the series, Wood says, "I’m aware that a certain amount of frustration exists in the community about getting a break. Though I know there are a number of outlets in which a local band can get attention, this is a way that I decided to offer support." The response Wood received after the first show in June was so great that she’s planning to present bills at area clubs on a bimonthly basis and feature upcoming and established local talent, adding national acts should the opportunity arise.

The line-up for September 11 includes Fritter, fronted by Elizabeth Steen, perhaps best known locally for her work with Count Zero and Tanya Donelly. Her debut disc, Mockery, produced by Peter Moore of Count Zero, is richly layered with keyboard and guitar textures, drum loops, and shimmering effects. Elizabeth has been called a phenomenal storyteller, captivating in her tender phrasing. New England touring favorite Starr Faithfull features Jodee Frawlee who is recognized as one of Boston's premier vocal and guitar talents. Jodee received a Boston's Best Guitarist award and, in 1999, was hand picked by guitar legend Steve Vai to perform with him live on stage. amusia's music is referred to by critics as intelligent rock with an acoustic edge and whose singer Ruth Peterson has a voice that is both powerful and elegant. The Ruby Lashes, with Krissy Lundgren on vocals and guitar, summon the spirit of The Blake Babies and Throwing Muses. Eileen Rose once fronted Boston's Daisy Chain, Medici Slot Machine, and Fledgling before she relocated to the UK from Boston. Eileen is currently on the road in support of her second solo disc, Long Shot Novena. The honey-voiced singer/songwriter has played with the likes of David Gray, Ryan Adams, Alabama 3, Frank Black and The Jayhawks.

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On the launch of the series...

June 14, 2003 - The first  show in the series went amazingly well. Thank you to everyone involved - Jeff Marshall and The Paradise, Allen Bush at Stratosphere Communications, Joan Anderman at The Globe, FNX for their support, Mike Baldino of the Weekly Dig, Carly Carioli of the Boston Phoenix, Johnny Smash of Soundcheck, DJ Meegs, my friends who actually show up when I invite them to things, and of course the bands!

See you for the second installment later this summer. Bands interested in taking part can send disc(s) and info. See contact page for mailing info.

Best-
Anngelle

Boston Globe
Soundcheck
Weekly Dig
The Phoenix

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Rising Tide show 1 - June 12, 2003

THE RISING TIDE CONCERT SERIES ­ A SHOWCASE FOR WOMEN ROCKERS AND THEIR BANDS ­ DEBUTS AT THE PARADISE, JUNE 12

Damone, Thalia Zedek, Annette Farrington, Torrez among performers

Boston, May 22, 2003 ­ FNX radio personality Anngelle Wood will kick-off a series of music events showcasing female-fronted rock acts from New England. The Rising Tide Concert Series debuts on Thursday, June 12, at the Paradise Rock Club with Damone, Thalia Zedek, Annette Farrington, and Torrez performing in the main room. Emily Grogan, Natalie Flanagan, Katie McD, and Franc Graham will appear in the Lounge. Tickets are $10.00 for the main room; entry to the Lounge is free. The Paradise is at 967 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, 617-562-8804. The show is 18+; doors open at 8:00 p.m.

"With heavy-hitting male-fronted acts dominating the scene, female rock artists who have been releasing material that is equally as powerful but maybe more refined are finding it difficult to break in," says Wood. "In support of the tireless, enduring, and often unnoticed efforts of these women, and in an effort to accelerate the exposure of their music, this show will be the first in a series of concerts showcasing women artists from the local scene." Wood looks to continue The Rising Tide concert series in the Boston and New England areas and plans to include one guest performer, either a local or national act, at each show.

Among the line-up on June 12 are two members of Boston’s rock n’ roll foundation: Thalia Zedek, whose voice and style put Uzi and Come on the map for nearly a decade, and the sonically exquisite Annette Farrington, whose former band Opium Den was the focal point of Boston’s goth/ethereal scene during the mid-nineties. Joining them in the main room will be newcomer Torrez, an act from Portsmouth, NH, whose debut album, The Evening Drag, is recognized by critics and stations across the country as a significant contribution to indie rock. Damone will cap off the evening performing as a prelude to a national tour in support of its debut release on RCA Records, From the Attic.

Artists who are sonically softer but equally as intense will perform in the Paradise Lounge. Masterful singer/songwriter Emily Grogan, with her no-frills rock and lyrical conviction, and Natalie Flanagan, whose style is likened to that of Lou Reed, Chrissy Hynde, and Bob Dylan, will perform. Franc Graham -- whose songs have been described as seductive, swampy, mysterious and poetic -- and newcomer Katie McD, a transplant from Galway, Ireland, with a pop/folk style reminiscent of Luka Bloom, will round out the bill.

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