Cat Ridgeway & the Tourists at the Raccoon Motel -- October 23.
Wednesday, October 23, 6 p.m.
Raccoon Motel, 315 East Second Street, Davenport IA
With the acclaimed, Orlando-based artist and her ensemble touring in support of their forthcoming album Sprinter, singer/songwriter Cat Ridgeway and her indie-rock outfit The Tourists headline an October 23 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the recording's first single "Epilogue" inspiring Return of Rock to rave of its creator, "With its sprightly pace and punk-inspired groove throughout, she is certainly looking to get us up and out of our seats with this one.”
As "Epilogue" has also earned praise from Grotesqualizer, which said the song's "hyperactive rhythm line and secateurs-like guitar attacks take your ears on a hard and hot ride," Ridgeway has gathered numerous accolades on the way to recording Sprinter. In 2016, pop duo Tegan and Sara personally selected her as the winner of their worldwide cover contest for the song “Stop Desire” after being impressed by her prowess across five different instruments: guitar, drums, keys, trumpet, and bass that she self-recorded. Although an indie-rocker at heart, Ridgeway's past music was rooted in a more Americana-leaning sound. In 2020, she released Nice to Meet You, marking her debut to radio. Her lead single “Giving You Up” was the number-five most-added Americana single, reached number six on the Americana Bubblin’ Up chart, and moved up 129 spots to number 71 on the Americana single chart. Also in 2020, Ridgeway caught the attention of hit songwriter Shawn Mullins (known for his 1998 chart-topper “Lullaby”). The two became fast friends, playing many shows together, and also become collaborative partners, co-writing and releasing “Give Me Love," which hit the top 100 on AAA radio.
Over the years, Ridgeway has directly supported and shared bills with such acts as Lucy Dacus, Sylvan Esso, Houndmouth, and Arcade Fire, and has also played many notable stages and festivals including 30A Songwriters Festival, Okeechobee Music and Arts Fest, and House of Blues Orlando. Along with the revolving members of her touring band, Cat Ridgeway & the Tourists create a sweaty, energetic, exciting party with each live show. It’s not uncommon to see them play musical chairs as they switch places and instruments on stage. Named Orlando’s “Best Singer/Songwriter” three years running and “Best Rock Act” twice by Orlando Weekly, Ridgeway says of her forthcoming album, "We debuted most of Sprinter at shows over the summer, and the energy we've been with been met so far has been nothing short of electric. We had our first mosh pit open up at our last hometown show, and it was sick. I've felt very understood and seen for the first time, and it's allowed me to connect with people (especially those who listen for the lyrics) on a much deeper level. We're skipping the small talk and diving straight in now, and I adore that."
Cat Ridgeway & the Tourists play their Davenport headlining engagement on October 23 with an additional set by Ten Tigers AC, admission to the 6 p.m. concert is $15.88, and tickets are available by visiting TheRaccoonMotel.com.
