Biography
Evonne Rivera
Singer/Songwriter
An invigorating, powerful voice, enriching lyrics, and a remarkable stage presence are hallmarks of singer/songwriter Evonne Rivera.
Influenced by such artists as Etta James, Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin, Evonne Rivera's music is filled with soulful, Old School energy and captivating hooks.
No stranger to the stage, Evonne previously performed before packed audiences, in renowned venues throughout Los Angeles such as The House of Blues, The El Rey Theatre and The Viper Room, as the back-up vocalist in the acclaimed, speak-easy jazz show, The Toledo Show.
In search of finding her own sound, Evonne left The Toledo Show to form the band Ragdoll, and performed as the lead singer and songwriter throughout Los Angeles and Pasadena in popular venues such as Luna Park, The Baked Potato and The Joint.
After becoming pregnant, Evonne took a break from performing live to focus on being a mother. However, determined to learn more about the business of music, Evonne soon acquired three-years of experience as a record promoter for commercial radio.
Ready to reveal her passion and story to the world, Evonne started her own independent label, Sweet Bottom Records, in 2004 and began working with Grammy nominated songwriter and producer Rodney Shelton.
Evonne Rivera released her first 3-song EP in February, 2005 which was nominated as "Best Adult Alternative Album of the Year" for the 2005 LA Music Awards!
Evonne then performed once again throughout Los Angeles in some of LA's premier venues including The Cinegrill, Monsoon Cafe, B.B. King's and The Key Club.
On June 13th, 2006, Evonne released her debut album titled "WHAT IF", which includes the talents of renowned drummer Gerry Brown (Stevie Wonder, Lionel Ritchie, Diana Ross), and bass player C.C. Thomas Jr. (Babyface, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson).
Evonne also re-recorded her song "Freedom" to be featured on the Women On The Move compilation CD, titled "Beautiful", released in July 2007 by Red Cayote Records.
After taking some time off to have her second child in late 2006, Evonne Rivera began performing once again, as part of the "Women on the Move, "Beautiful" Tour", raising funds for Domestic Violence Women Shelters throughout the state of California.
Recently, Evonne was described as one of "LA's most promising independent artists" by LA Women In Music (LAWIM), named a finalist for their highly esteemed Comet Award and her song “Unsteady” is featured on the LAWIM “Best Of The Best” Compilation Cd released on August 13th 2008!
Evonne is currently performing throughout Los Angeles with jazz band Present Tense and at the Nuday Inspirational Groove events with Gerry Brown and The Bailouts.
Evonne Rivera is in the process of planning a regional tour, dedicated to raising funds for single mothers in maternity homes and most recently, she was named one of Music Connection Magazine’s “Hot 100 Unsigned Artists of 2008” in the nation!
EDUCATION:
Attended American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, CA.
Alumnus of Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, CA.
Instrumentation
As a solo artist, I have a list of professional musicians I hire, according to their availability.
The ones I work with the most are as follows...
Gerry Brown - Drums
CC Thomas Jr., Dwayne Augustine, Richard Frank - Bass
Franky Crawford, Bill Steinway or Ming Freeman - Keyboards/Piano
Michael Sechrest, John Huldt, Perry Robertson - Guitar
Paulie Cerra - Sax
I can do anything from an acoustic set with just vocals and guitar, to the whole enchilada including other lead vocalists, back-up singers and horns! Just let me know what you're looking for!
Discography
LAWIM "Best of the Best" Soirée CD
Featured track - "Unsteady"
Release Date 8/08
Los Angeles Women In Music
Women on the Move "Beautiful"
Featured track - "Freedom"
Released 7/07
Red Cayote Records
Evonne Rivera "WHAT IF"
Full length album
Released 6/06
sweet bottom records
Evonne Rivera 3-Song EP
Released 2/05
sweet bottom records
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Internet Radio Airplay...
Womens Radio
Indie 104 ~ iRadio LA
Nette Radio
American Idol Underground
Gator Radio
Overground Radio
Deca Dance Radio
Awesome Radio
Beauty Radio
The Motown Show
The Common NonSense Radio Show
Hi-Radio.com
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Features...
"Artist of the Month" WCIR Beckley, WV 11/07
Featured on "Rockin' Moms Podcast" 11/06
Featured on VOA Music Mix 1/05
Links
| http://www.evonnerivera.com |
| MySpace |
| ReverbNation |
| sweet bottom records |