Rachel Raven
rachelravenmusic@gmail.com
414-399-7126

Bio

I have performed in many venues from coffeehouses to clubs and theater. I am also a busker, having performed the streets of Europe, New York, Chicago,California and Boston.

When I sing, people know it. A matrix of sound, emotion, and serenity weaves through the house: singer to audience, audience to singer, and all to one another. The external disappears and my voice becomes one with my heart. It is the sum and soul of who I am as a performer. Covers from Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, Etta James, The American songbook, Dolly Parton, Neil Young, many more and an abundance of original compositions, I delight in sharing my interpretations of this music with others. It is what drives me on the stage.

Having studied the voice since early childhood, I now find myself at a summit with my performing. Knowing that artists can be the harbingers of social change, it is my desire to relay messages of hope and healing to others. Listeners find my vocals not only to be entertainment but also a vehicle for social and personal transformation. My songwriting is becoming richer and my performance evolving, inspiring and affecting many new people.

TestimoniaLS

"Rachel Raven is a brilliant professional Vocalist, Actress, Composer and Performer." - Ironic Music, Boston

"Rachel Raven writes intensely personal, deeply heartfelt music. She casts a blanket of intimacy over her audience, sharing her stories so vulnerably, so powerfully, that listeners experience her journey right alongside her." - Hailey Magee, Founder of Talisman Music Group

"Rachel Raven's songs, lyrics and crystal clear voice is unrivaled. Her music remains a part of my own treasured lexicon ,songs which I call upon for sparks of empowerment." - Leah Emmerich/Actor Chicago

“I found Rachel’s song to be moving and it added depth to the vigil. I was impressed by her bravery and willingness to share her art and personal experience. It truly enriched the event” -  Chris Hosman, Staff to the Somerville Commission for Women

“Words cannot describe the talent Rachel Raven possesses but I will try.

Her songwriting is original and beautiful as well are her poetic lyrics. On stage she has a sweet yet commanding presence filled with songs of love, life, loss and magic.

Her singing voice is one of the most eloquent I've ever heard. This woman can sing anything and sing it with passion, grace, feeling and with a precision that shakes your bones and warms your heart. Truly brilliant.” - Alex P.R., Musician Boston Ma

“Rachel Raven played the closing song for the Somerville Commission for Women’s annual Domestic Violence Vigil on October 5th, 2016. Her performance was somber, thought provoking, and yet optimistic." - Kristen Strezo, Commissioner, Office of Somerville Commission for Women

“Rachel Raven’s wide ranging vocal styling has the unique ability to transport her listener into other worlds. Crooning classic ballads she conveys you to cobbled, Parisian streets.  Show tunes reverberate with the energy and neon glamour of Broadway. She can rock a tune as wild as her flaming red hair then take you on a journey down to a blues-worn, back road honky-tonk while wailing a tune of unrequited love. Old folk lullabies are sung, soothing one’s soul with soft, sensuous phrasing.With renditions of original tunes and creative styling of timeless favorites, Rachel Raven entertains, delights, and with her voice, guides you to places you may never have been." - Colleen Kassner, Artist

“I used to say Rachel was one of my favorite singers. Now, I just say she is my favorite singer.” - Jack Wilson, music director, performer, pianist

“Rachel’s songs and voice fill a room with magic. I’m always impressed with her talent.” - Philo, poet, writer

“We loved having you with us. You’re so talented and so fun. You struck a nerve with a couple of songs, that made me realize some feelings of sadness I didn’t understand til then. Long story, and I won’t bore you, but there’s been some hard times in my family. Anyway, thank you for giving the gift of your music! It’s so important to people.” - Amy Schmutte

SAMPLES

Awards and Recognition

Winner of the Somerville Arts Council Award Fellowship in Category of Music 2017

Winner of the Jeff Youngers Award 2009 Milwaukee,Wisconsin

Venues and Performances

New England

• Purple Shamrock ,Boston

• The Mews,Province town ,Ma

• Tin pan Alley ,Provincetown , Ma

• Middle East Cafe,Cambridge ,Ma

• The Underground,Provincetown,Ma

• Ravens Nest ,Walpole ,Ma

• The Mad Raven Waltham,Ma

• Vintage Bazaar Salsibury,Ma

• Tedesco Country Club (An Evening of Irish Tunes), Marblehead, MA

• Paddy's Americna Grill, Portsmouth,N.H.

• Green Dragon,Boston,Ma

• Harvest Wine Bar Gallery,Dennis,Ma

• The Woodshed,Brewster,Ma

• The Burren,Somerville

• The Walnut stcafe,Lynn , Ma

• P.A.s lounge,somerville,Ma

• Johnny D's ,Somerville,Ma

• The Armory for the Arts,Somervillle

• Thunder Road,Somerville

• Gallery 263,Cambridge

Wisconsin

• Summerfest

• Shank Hall

• Club Garibaldi

• Beneath It All Café

• Eighth Note Coffee House

• Numero Uno

• The Blue Note

• Benjamin’s Too

• The Blue River Café

• Metropole Nightclub

• Melanic’s Wheelhouse Cabaret

• Centennial Hall

• The 19th Street Coffeehouse

• Lava Java / Rochambo

• Café Melange

• Earth Essentials

• Brew Bayou / Circle A

• Audubon Court Books Espresso Bar

• Sunset Boulevard

• Wagner’s Cafe

• Summer Evenings of Jewish Music

• It’s A Beautiful Day Café

• The Pub / Art Bar

• Hooligan’s / Paddy’s Pub

• Wells St. Station

• Madison, Wisconsin

• Hillel Coffee House

• Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin

• The Café Carpe

Festivals

• Earth Day on the Charles

• Harvard University Jazz Concertwith Sammy Price

• National Women’s Convention ofLeadership & Alliance

• King Richard’s Renaissance Faire

• Women’s Summerfest

Radio

• WEMF: Under the covers with Dann Russo

• Phenomenal Women in Blues: The Mother Road Blues Show

• Passim’s Radio Show