Pioneers in the use of cello as the sole instrument within a rock band, Rasputina has been inspiring young string players to commit a number of musical sins since 1896. The group’s concept was written as a manifesto, and manifested accordingly by directress Melora Creager as a wily subterfuge for a plot to open audiences to adventure. The funny, the sad, the heavy, the tender– it can all exist together.
Employing elaborate costuming spanning a number of historical periods, Rasputina brings marginalized historical female figures and stories to light in the pop form, using archetypal characters such as Indian princesses, Hawaiian handmaidens and Medieval queens.
Over the years, Rasputina has performed/recorded with Marilyn Manson, Porno For Pyros, Cheap Trick, Goo Goo Dolls and many others. Hardened road-dogs, and with more than 7 albums under their belt, Rasputina continues to amaze and amuse. On tour this Summer & Fall.
MELORA CREAGER – voice, cello, banjo
She founded the alternative/ historical cello ensemble Rasputina in 1891 as a way to meet like-minded girls- girls that wanted to rock out on the cello and wear fine costumery.
LUIS MOJICA- piano, beat-boxing
Luis uses the piano to cast, wild narrative spells. His eyes are that of an androgynous monk with rainbow tentacles. Luis loops words, chants, and sounds through a loop pedal AKA beat- boxing, ‘Beat-Boxing Baroque’. Luis brings his musical madness to Rasputina today.
CARPELLA PARVO- cello, voice
Cello-fingers in flight and with the voice of a bird, Carpella is from some country, but it is unknown which one. She played on Rasputina’s debut album, Thanks for the Ether (1996), then succumbed to the very condition from which she takes her name- carpal tunnel syndrome. Having healed over 20 years, Carpella jubilantly returns to Rasputina in the 21st century.
Yellowstone Valley Brewing Co.
2123 1st Ave N Billings, MT 59101
All Ages/General Admission
5PM Doors/6PM Show