Awful Purdies is a powerhouse Folk-Americana collective of five multi-instrumental women, blending seamless harmonies with banjo, accordion, cello, guitar, mandolin, and bass. Their sound weaves together folk, bluegrass, honky tonk, and soul, creating a rich, rootsy vibe that’s heartfelt and high-energy. On stage, they bring humor, insight, and an electric camaraderie—swapping lead vocals, sharing stories, and lifting each other up. Since 2006, they’ve been a lynchpin to Eastern Iowa’s music scene, raising families, advocating for human rights, and amplifying women’s voices and stories.

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