In many ways, Rosie Flores has come full-circle: She's playing the rockabilly music she knows best, flavored with a touch of punk.
Flores, who headlines the Americana Showcase concert Wednesday at Rochester Civic Theatre, was born in San Antonio, but moved to San Diego with her family when she was 12. There, she played everything from surf music to country blues, but it was rockabilly that turned out to be her signature style.
When punk arrived in the '70s, Flores added that energy to her music with a band called Rosie and the Screamers, and then with the Screaming Sirens. But she kept returning to her roots, and a 1987 solo debut, "Rosie Flores," garnered favorable critical reviews. Flores was revealed to be a triple threat as a singer, guitar player and songwriter.
Over the years, she has not wavered far from her established sound. In fact, Flores has continued to draw upon the roots of rockabilly and early country, recording with the likes of Wanda Jackson and Cyndi Cashdollar.
Her 2009 album, "Girl of the Century," showed that Flores is still at the top of her game, blending her own compositions with songs by Johnny Cash and Calvin Carter. It was produced by John Langford of the punk band The Mekons.
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Flores lives in Austin, Texas, where she is regarded as royalty in that city's vibrant music scene.
Opening this final Americana Showcase concert of the season will be Six Mile Grove. The lineup for next fall's showcase series will be announced at this concert.
