Women in Music: SISTERFUNK - Pursuing the Groove!
by Julie Nicolay

Perhaps you’re one of the many who have already seen the band Sisterfunk. Or, you think you’ve heard about them somewhere. Okay, maybe you have no idea who I’m talking about but have decided to read everything in this first edition of Women In Mind and therefore have made it this far. Good. Either way, let me introduce you to one of the hottest bands around, Sisterfunk!

Aptly named, Sisterfunk features five incredibly talented women playing funk, rock, disco, originals and covers. Based in New Haven, they have put out one highly acclaimed CD, “Pursuit Of The Groove,” opened for the likes of Melissa Ferrick and C & C Music Factory, and have played numerous gay Pride events, clubs and benefit concerts in Connecticut and all over the East coast.

They’ve also traveled as far as Michigan, New Mexico, Georgia and Canada, and have had their music featured in two films. They perform anywhere they can, frequently taking only enough payment from fund raisers to cover their gas money, which has earned them the moniker, “The Band That Cares.”

Their start began with each being chosen to back up another performer about two years ago, and though some had played together in other bands, this would be the first time they would share a stage. “The first time Wendy, Tina, Denise and I played together there was a connection,” says Vange, “and the more we rehearsed…the more it became apparent that there was something very awesome about our energy together.” She adds, “Blaze joined us soon afterward and put the creamsicle on the cakesicle so to speak.”

They continued to play, bringing original material together as well as learning the cover tunes that they knew audiences would initially respond to. They have now reached a level of fame that brings recognition in public and fans who show up knowing their lyrics, enthusiastically singing along.

The fans also bring some interesting gifts and objects to autograph, like the woman who wanted her baby’s diaper signed; the band was more than happy to oblige once the “didy” was deemed clean and fresh!

These five “sistahs,” as they like to call themselves, work hard on both the music and their relationship as friends and bandmates. Still employed in day jobs (social work, education, web design and construction), they also rehearse, travel and perform weekly, while continuing to work on their second CD, which should be released in the Spring of 2003.

Individually, their energy and personalities shine, each woman being a phenomenal musician in her own right. Together they are amazing. They are indeed pursing the infinite groove, so check out their website, www.sisterfunk.com, get the CD (just in time for the holidays), and hey, shake your groove thing and go catch Sisterfunk!