Everyone in Sarah Russo’s family is a musician. Though her father pastored a church in the small town of Port Barre, La., he too was a musician, along with the rest of the family.
“For the longest time, I wanted my sister to sing in a group with me. I begged her, because her voice was amazing. And when it came down to harmonies, we had the family blend that makes everything so special. We don’t have to spend hours working all that out, it is just a natural progression,” says Russo.
Today, Russo’s sister, Anna Russo Bourgeois, sings with her and another local talent Kat Kelley. Together they make up a three-piece outfit called Mid City Maven. In addition, Russo fronts her own project called The Sarah Russo Band. Russo also performs with some of the area’s local powerhouse musicians like Dustin Gaspard of DG and the Freetown Sound. Or you might find her singing with Myles Migl of The Good Dudes.
With top headliners or a combination of the above, Russo makes it work for every venue where she performs. At each show, she may first be recognized by her trademark blue hair. But she didn’t dye her hair as a showbiz gimmick. The blue has many meanings to her — mainly it is her color of freedom. Now, no longer anchored by anything negative, the blue serves its purpose. Like a badge of honor, it is a medal for long hours and hard work. Or maybe it is a trophy, symbolizing how she’s become the darling among Acadiana’s music seekers.
The moment Russo starts singing, the blue hair is not what captures your attention, however. Her live performances will captivate you, as she honors entertainers who have come before her, many of whom have given their stamp of approval, along with a few bits of advice. “I was so grateful to have met long-time soul singer, Charlene Howard. If anyone has had a major influence on me, it would have to be Charlene,” says Russo.
“She has given me encouragement not only as an entertainer but also on the business side of what I do. Performing is no longer something I do as a side hustle. It is my life. It is my work. It is how I make a living. So any advice from those who came before me is valued encouragement.”
It would be hard to find a stronger vocalist in the area of Acadiana — not that we don’t have many great vocalists in Lafayette. But Russo’s voice is jaw-dropping. Her songwriting is equally as powerful. Just remember, this is something that Russo has been doing all her life. But what really pushed Russo to next level was the song, “Call Me a Doctor.”
Never realizing how this song would take off, the response caught Russo by surprise.
“I think hearing my work on radio was the catalyst for me to do more,” she said. “I’ve been fortunate to be called upon for collaborations with other artists, including a major surprise coming up soon.” Though Russo is not able to tell us more, we know that whatever Russo does in the future will be backed with power vocals, family encouragement, local superstar advice, and a top notch support team to bring her to an even higher level than she has reached thus far.