Rita Thies
Heralding originally from Kansas City, musician Rita Thies has lived most of her life in the San Francisco Bay Area. An incredibly talented flutist and saxophonist, Rita is always in-demand as a “first call” musician in local and nationally-known bands. Additionally, she fronts her own ensembles, ranging from introspective, quiet music to rollicking good-time party sounds.
Rita’s magnificent classical flute concerts are stunning; yet, she causes an even greater stir with her jazz saxophone and flute performances. As a result, she appears live and as a studio musician in both genres (classical and jazz), as well as Latin Jazz, R’n’B and the ever-infectious “New Orleans funk”. Her tenure with the great bluesman, John Lee Hooker is legendary, as is her association with Zigaboo Modeliste, who holds the high honor of being the king of the distinctly rhythmic sound of New Orleans.
Corporate event planners have a secret: they can rely on Rita Thies to bring all of her immense talent, charm and vivaciousness and yet perform with the exact amount of restraint needed to perfectly compliment even the most subtle, formal dinner. And if the occasion warrants a little more (or a lot more) pizazz, she’s there to “bring it.” What a treat!