
Nikki & The RueMates music includes a heavy dose of country blues, with Nikki on guitar and singing songs done by past blues greats such as Memphis Minnie and Muddy Waters, and Rich playing finger style on resophonic slide and “regular” guitars. Carrie & Bryce are the most recent additions. They also play folk music including spirituals, ballads, country and old timey, and music with a more Caribbean and rock flair, as well as original music collaborated on by Nikki and Rich.
Their sound is rootsy, with nice three-part harmonies being one of the group’s strengths. In the past, Nikki was a finalist on the “Prairie Home Companion” Annual Talent Contest at the ripe old age of 16. Guitarist Rich Rue is well known in Twin Cities circles for work with bands including The Hightops. Now in her 20s, Nikki and the RueMates are part of the Twin Cities vibrant acoustic music scene, having played at the legendary Viking Bar on the West Bank, and various radio programs on KFAI in the Twin Cities. The RueMates have also been know to trade in their acoustic show for an electric one featuring an authentic 60s psychedelic light show. They have a friends jam at the Red Stag in Northeast Minneapolis the first & last Sunday of every month as well.