Back Story: The She’s Speaking Project

Recognizing that women are unrepresented across all aspects of the music industry and that women’s voices and stories need to be heard, She’s Speaking was co-founded during the global pandemic in 2020 by Oregon singer-songwriters Beth Wood (Sisters), Bre Gregg (Portland), and Kristen Grainger (Salem). The project fosters opportunities and platforms that elevate songs by women, about women, for everyone. 

After creating and curating a YouTube channel with more than 60 original song-videos contributed by women songwriters and hosting several live-stream performances during the pandemic shutdown, She’s Speaking produced its first live, onstage performance at Alberta Rose Theatre as soon as it was safe to do so. 

Now, She’s Speaking-LIVE is taking that dynamic and uplifting live show on the road, joining with several Oregon and Washington communities in celebration of Women’s History Month (March 2023) and beyond.

PRESS

OPB Radio's Think Out Loud interview with Kristen Grainger: ‘She’s Speaking’ tour features women singers and musicians, highlights challenges in male dominated industry

Salem Journal Concert Review: "Staging of She's Speaking Live Draws Sell-Out Crowd in Salem" 

Statesman Journal feature on She's Speaking Live

 Oregon ArtsWatch Q&A: Kristen Grainger and She’s Speaking give voice to women musicians

KGW TV Hello! Rose City Interview with She's Speaking co-founders Kristen Grainger and Bre Gregg

East Portland Blog feature: Oregon songwriters launch Women’s History Month road show

She’s Speaking-LIVE’s 2023 All-Star Lineup

ARTIST'S BIOS

Arietta Ward

Arietta Ward has been referred to as the “1st Daughter of Funk and R&B,” as well as the “Rip City Soul Funk Diva.” Known to many as “Miz Etta,” she is definitely a musical force to be reckoned with; her performances are filled with joy, authenticity, passion, and humor. Miz Etta is also the daughter of NW music royalty, the late Janice Marie Scroggins.

Learn more about Arietta

Bre Gregg

Bre Gregg is the voice of Red Bird, a soul band with elements of blues, rock and funk added to the mix creating their own unique and distinct sound. Their debut album, Live It All, showcases the band’s musical maturity that breathes new life into music today. Find No Enemy says, “This is soul rock re-invented and reignited with a passion and dexterity like few can compare to.”

Learn more about Bre

Kristen Grainger

Kristen Grainger is the soul and voice of Americana string band Kristen Grainger & True North. With three albums that hit #1 on folk radio charts, she has won seven national songwriting awards and was named, with Brandi Carlile and Dolly Parton, one of the “Women Who Wrote Our 2020 Soundtrack” by The Bluegrass Situation. 

Learn more about Kristen