"Like an escapee from a secret shadow lab where 1930s sideshow girls, '40s film-noir nightclub dames, and the criminal flip-side of '50s rockabilly queens were genetically blended, Lady Viola and Ragwater Revue seem to be from another time and place. Viola fronts Ragwater Revue, an evolving ensemble that plays spookabilly and country blues for an accursed roadhouse eternally shrouded in fog...." -J. Graham, SF Weekly.

Ragwater Revue is led by a duo comprised of Kris Fernald (guitar, bass, organ, drums), and Kat Toronto, aka Lady V (vox). Channeling the freewheeling spirits of Mae West, Bessie Smith, and Wanda Jackson, Ragwater Revue frontwoman Kat draws inspiration from her extensive wanderings into the deep South of the U.S. and the homicidal femme fatale beauties of classic film noir. To Ragwater Revue Kat brings her own style of eccentric class and invites the audience to join her in the tawdry noir daydream she has created for herself. Kat is also a celebrated artist and is the owner/head designer of Hey Sailor! Hats.

As the other half of Ragwater, Kris culls his inspiration from early surf/garage music, Mancini inspired spy/crime jazz, the lush soundtracks of Lynchian films, the jagged edge of post-punk, and the raw grit of early blues. The outcome is a slinky reverb-drenched, perfectly unperfected, catchy sound that gets you tapping your toes then turns you on your ear with unexpected off-kilter twists and turns. Kris is a veteran of the NYC underground music scene as well as a talented multi-media visual artist, he has performed and toured under various monikers with such acts as: The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black, SSION, 245 Trioxin, Dimestore Dance Band, The Creatures, and Stretcher Case, etc. He has worked on collaborations and side-projects with various musicians/artists such as: Kembra Pfahler, Jack Martin, members of Liars, Denver Zest, Misty Roses, Freight Elevator Quartet, etc. He has also written/performed musical scores for short films, fashion shows, live performance art, and biographies.

Ragwater Revue has shared the bill and played with such fine acts and musicians as: Brian Viglione, Ralph Carney, Miss Derringer, Prince Poppycock, Vermillion Lies, Swann Danger, Meredith Yayanos, Benjamin Ickies, El Radio Fantastique, The Holy Kiss, RyKarda Parasol, Gooby Herms, The Slow Poisoner, The Ferocious Few, Aaron Kierbel, Chris Black, One Man Banjo, 5 Cent Coffee, Sol Crawford, Knees & Elbows, Uni and Her Ukelele, Nora Keyes, The Mighty Lynch-Pins, Mr. Uncertain, Craig Ventresco & Meredith Axelrod, Hobo Jazz, Goonmat & The Mumblers, The Touch-Me-Nots, Matty Rue Morgue, King City, Kira Lynn Kane, Yard Sale, Tippy Canoe and The Paddlemen, Wiyos, Blue Bone Express, The Kitchen Syncopators, among many others.

For more information or to book Ragwater Revue for an upcoming live show or event, please contact them at: info(at)ragwater.com.