Vanessa Torres

Straddling the genres of folk, bluegrass and edgy roots pop, Vanessa Torres' songs draw you in by being both catchy and lyrically moving. Backed by her dynamic 2-piece female band, Touching Ground, Torres' songs are full of raw emotion and a strong call to social justice.Good Times Music Magazine describes Vanessa's songs as having "...a lighthearted yet serious contempt for social mores combined with a well of charisma and a smile that can still grab the attention of a society that worships the superficialities championed by prime-time t.v."Chris Darling, host of WMPG radio says of Torres, "No stranger to community activism, her music is a testament to her belief that music, community and making a difference are all tied together."In addition to poignant original lyrics, Torres' band layer the contemporary with the traditional of folk music. Present in the mix are her own powerful lead vocals and rhythmic guitar, the rich vocal harmonies of sister Tamara Torres, and the melodic interludes of accordion and banjo by Ra Criscitiello.Having opened for Erin Mckeown, Kaki King, and played the side stage of the Women and Music Festival , where such notables as Toshi Reagon, Patty Griffin and Jill Sobule--Vanessa Torres and her band are no strangers to the folk scene. Based out of Portland Maine, these women are gaining the attention of national conferences, radio stations, clubs and colleges. Their sound has been likened to The Dixie Chicks, Indigo Girls, and Patty Griffin. Not suprisingly Torres sites these, and others such as Tracy Chapman and Ani Difranco as some of her biggest influences.