Prescott NOW: How long have you been playing together?
Pearl ridge: We started as a five-piece band called Pearl Ridge about 15 years ago, and Kriss Heintz (guitar) and I wanted to perform more often, so we created the Pearl Ridge duo and have been going ever since!
Prescott NOW: What’s the inspiration behind your band’s name?
Pearl Ridge: The full band was put together by a promoter gal that wanted to start a Janis Joplin/Melissa Etheridge tribute band. Most of us had never performed together before, so we all met over dinner and had to decide on what to name us. Janis Joplin’s nickname was “Pearl” so that was easy, but then our keyboard player thought we should add “Ridge,” which was the second half of Melissa’s last name.
Therefore, “Pearl Ridge”!
Prescott NOW: How do you connect with your audience?
Pearl Ridge: Our audience is the key ingredient to our shows! We are there for them and want to make sure they are hearing the songs that stir up nice memories of the past but also move them emotionally. The breadth and depth of our song list has surprised some folks, and we love the reactions we get.
Prescott NOW: How would you describe your sound?
Pearl Ridge: Even though we are just acoustic guitar and vocals, some people have said that our sound is so full. Kriss’ melodic guitar playing and Kirsten’s rich vocal tone blend beautifully whether playing country, folk or rock.
Prescott NOW: What is the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Pearl Ridge: I would say that performing for part of the festivities for Super Bowl LVII in 2023 was a highlight! There were people from all over the country attending so it was exciting to have an expanded audience. Our stage location was in Old Town Scottsdale where hundreds of people were celebrating the event, and the vibe was off the hook!
Prescott NOW: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Pearl Ridge: Don’t waste so much time trying to become “rich and famous.” Decades later to be performing for people that come out to see you time and time again is the true reward.
Prescott NOW: What motivates your band to perform?
Pearl Ridge: The love of the music and our fans! Music is a passion for us, and we feel it deeply. It’s a physical connection to the melody and lyrics. We are humbled when seeing familiar faces follow us from venue to venue. We strive to learn their favorite tunes!
Prescott NOW: What brought you to Prescott?
Pearl Ridge: We saw how important the live music scene is in Prescott, and we wanted to be a part of that vibe! The community takes its music seriously and sees a tremendous amount of support.
Who wouldn’t want to immerse themselves in that?! It’s also a nice escape from the heat during the summers in the Phoenix metro area where we live.
