ABOUT THESE PURDIES...

Awful Purdies is a Folk-Americana collective of five multi-instrumental women, powered by seamless harmonies, banjo, accordion, cello, guitar, mandolin, and bass. The sound is an earnest nod to traditional American music, folk, old country, bluegrass, honky tonk, and soul. 

The live performance experience is intimate, containing both humor and insight. On stage, Awful Purdies actively share gratitude and support of one another and take turns stepping up as lead singers and songwriters.

Since 2006, Awful Purdies have been raising families, telling women’s stories, advocating for human rights, and engaging with their communities in Eastern Iowa.

Katie Roche

Plays: Accordion, Xylophone, Penny Whistle, Recorder, Washboard

Other project: Dandelion Stompers

About this here Purdy: leads the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation, is married to the greatest guy this north of Texas, and has two adorable children nick-named Beppe and Roux. Katie is a skilled grant writer, winning a grant for Awful Purdies from the Iowa Arts Council via The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts, which supported the creation of a new project and album called All Recipes Are Home (2014).

Nicole Upchurch

Plays: Banjo, Guitar

Other project: The Feralings

About this here Purdy: Nicole is the lead preschool teacher at Creekside Forrest School. She and her husband, Benj, have three children of their own.

KatE Rowe

Plays: Cello, Electric bass

Other Project: DJ (Northern Parallels)

About this here Purdy: Kate designs home decor for mass-market retailers and lives in Iowa City with her son Jax and partner Mike. In 2022, Kate opened a whole new can of worms and is now a techno DJ. Listen to Kate’s first podcast appearance here.

Sarah Driscoll

Plays: Guitar

Other projects: Diplomats of Solid Sound and The Night Lights

About this here Purdy: owns her own yoga studio, Breathing Room Yoga, and enjoys gardening, cooking & creating :) Listen to Sarah's first solo album here.

Marcy Rosenbaum

Plays: Mandolin, Guitar, Bass

Other Project: Trains and Birds

About this here Purdy: Marcy has played music since she was 8 and considers it as necessary as food and air in keeping her healthy and happy. She teaches at the University of Iowa. She lives with her husband (her best friend) who is a consistent and gracious host for Purdies’ practice. She likes to talk about squirrels and add unnecessary letters to words.