"A voice as big as her heart and guitar playing of a seasoned Busker turned recording artist. She shines” - Kristen Ford, Righteous Babe Records

Rachel Raven
Rachel Raven bluesy acoustic could and vocalist

Bio

Rachel Raven is a bluesy rock-soul performer based in Milwaukee with a second home in Cambridge, MA. She has played everywhere from intimate coffeehouses to lively clubs, theaters, and city streets across the U.S. and Europe as a dedicated busker. Her sets blend diverse covers
with a rich catalog of original songs backed by her powerful acoustic guitar playing.

With a voice trained since early childhood, Rachel creates an
immersive, emotional connection with her audience, turning each performance into a shared experience. Driven by a belief in music as a force for hope and healing, her songwriting continues to deepen, and her performances resonate with an ever-growing audience.

This summer, Rachel Raven will celebrate the release of new singles and the launch of her Patreon community with a performance at Summerfest 2026, sharing the weekend with headliners Ed Sheeran, Muse, Post Malone, and Jelly Roll.

Quotes

"Rachel Raven is a brilliant professional Vocalist, Actress, Composer and Performer." - Ironic Music, Boston

"Rachel Raven writes intensely personal, deeply heartfelt music. She casts a blanket of intimacy over her audience, sharing her stories so vulnerably, so powerfully, that listeners experience her journey right alongside her." - Hailey Magee, Founder of Talisman Music Group

"Rachel Raven's songs, lyrics and crystal clear voice is unrivaled. Her music remains a part of my own treasured lexicon ,songs which I call upon for sparks of empowerment." - Leah Emmerich/Actor Chicago

“I found Rachel’s song to be moving and it added depth to the vigil. I was impressed by her bravery and willingness to share her art and personal experience. It truly enriched the event” -  Chris Hosman, Staff to the Somerville Commission for Women

“Words cannot describe the talent Rachel Raven possesses but I will try.

Her songwriting is original and beautiful as well are her poetic lyrics. On stage she has a sweet yet commanding presence filled with songs of love, life, loss and magic.

Her singing voice is one of the most eloquent I've ever heard. This woman can sing anything and sing it with passion, grace, feeling and with a precision that shakes your bones and warms your heart. Truly brilliant.” - Alex P.R., Musician Boston Ma

“Rachel Raven played the closing song for the Somerville Commission for Women’s annual Domestic Violence Vigil on October 5th, 2016. Her performance was somber, thought provoking, and yet optimistic." - Kristen Strezo, Commissioner, Office of Somerville Commission for Women

“Rachel Raven’s wide ranging vocal styling has the unique ability to transport her listener into other worlds. Crooning classic ballads she conveys you to cobbled, Parisian streets.  Show tunes reverberate with the energy and neon glamour of Broadway. She can rock a tune as wild as her flaming red hair then take you on a journey down to a blues-worn, back road honky-tonk while wailing a tune of unrequited love. Old folk lullabies are sung, soothing one’s soul with soft, sensuous phrasing.With renditions of original tunes and creative styling of timeless favorites, Rachel Raven entertains, delights, and with her voice, guides you to places you may never have been." - Colleen Kassner, Artist

“I used to say Rachel was one of my favorite singers. Now, I just say she is my favorite singer.” - Jack Wilson, music director, performer, pianist


“Rachel’s songs and voice fill a room with magic. I’m always impressed with her talent.” - Philo, poet, writer

“We loved having you with us. You’re so talented and so fun. You struck a nerve with a couple of songs, that made me realize some feelings of sadness I didn’t understand til then. Long story, and I won’t bore you, but there’s been some hard times in my family. Anyway, thank you for giving the gift of your music! It’s so important to people.” - Amy Schmutte

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Announcing Rachel Raven's new single release “Indigo” written by Rachel Raven, produced by Rachel Raven, Hyena Studios and Norwood Evans Creative. Image by Norwood Evans Creative.

“Prayer for My Enemy” by Rachel Raven

“Up From the Underground” by Rachel Raven

“Prayer for My Enemy” by Rachel Raven

“Piece of My Heart” at Ball Square Festival

SAMPLES

Awards and Recognition

Winner of the Somerville Arts Council Award Fellowship in Category of Music 2017

Winner of the Jeff Youngers Award 2009 Milwaukee,Wisconsin

Venues and Performances

New England

  • Purple Shamrock, Boston, MA

  • The Mews, Provincetown, MA

  • Tin pan Alley, Provincetown , MA

  • Middle East Cafe, Cambridge, MA

  • The Underground, Provincetown, MA

  • Ravens Nest, Walpole, MA

  • The Mad Raven, Waltham, MA

  • Vintage Bazaar, Salsibury, MA

  • Tedesco Country Club (An Evening of Irish Tunes), Marblehead, MA

  • Paddy's Americna Grill, Portsmouth, NH

  • Green Dragon, Boston, MA

  • Harvest Wine Bar Gallery, Dennis, MA

  • The Woodshed, Brewster, MA

  • The Burren, Somerville, MA

  • The Walnut Street Cafe, Lynn, MA

  • P.A.s Lounge, Somerville, MA

  • Johnny D's, Somerville, MA

  • The Armory for the Arts, Somervillle, MA

  • Thunder Road, Somerville, MA

  • Gallery 263, Cambridge, MA

  • The Cloud Club, Boston, MA

  • Ball Square Festival, Boston, MA

  • Boston, MA

Wisconsin

  • Summerfest

  • Shank Hall

  • Club Garibaldi

  • Beneath It All Café

  • Eighth Note Coffee House

  • Numero Uno

  • The Blue Note

  • Benjamin’s Too

  • The Blue River Café

  • Metropole Nightclub

  • Melanic’s Wheelhouse Cabaret

  • Centennial Hall

  • The 19th Street Coffeehouse

  • Lava Java / Rochambo

  • Café Melange

  • Earth Essentials

  • Brew Bayou / Circle A

  • Audubon Court Books Espresso Bar

  • Sunset Boulevard

  • Wagner’s Cafe

  • Summer Evenings of Jewish Music

  • It’s A Beautiful Day Café

  • The Pub / Art Bar

  • Hooligan’s / Paddy’s Pub

  • Hillel Coffee House

  • The Café Carpe

  • Wells St. Station

  • Riverwest Flea and Rummage

  • Bremen Cafe

  • The Uptowner

  • Linneman'‘s

  • Madison, WI

  • Fort Atkinson, WI

  • Milwaukee, WI

Illinois

  • Gallery Cabaret

  • Chicago, IL

New York

  • Pete’s Candy Store, Brooklyn, NY

  • NYC

Festivals

  • Earth Day on the Charles

  • Harvard University Jazz Concert with Sammy Price

  • National Women’s Convention ofLeadership & Alliance

  • King Richard’s Renaissance Faire

  • Women’s Summerfest

Radio

  • WEMF: Under the covers with Dann Russo

  • Phenomenal Women in Blues: The Mother Road Blues Show

  • Passim’s Radio Show