The all-female hard-rock quartet Femmes of Rock is preparing to return to the Southern Tier next week for their second performance at Elmira’s LECOM Event Center. While the group’s previous appearance drew a great crowd, this upcoming show promises a fresh experience. According to Femmes of Rock creator Nina DiGregorio, the performance offers much more than traditional violin music, describing it as far from “your mother’s Beethoven.”
The show features women playing electric violins with a powerful, modern edge. This time, the band has incorporated singing, balancing the electric violin’s intensity with blazing guitar solos and audience sing-alongs. A multimedia video element has been added, enhancing the live experience with synchronized visuals. DiGregorio revealed that about 20 minutes of the show will consist of a brand-new medley, complete with new solos and vocals, which now opens their performance. Since their repertoire includes around three hours of music but the show runs about 90 minutes, the group frequently swaps pieces to keep things fresh for returning audiences.
DiGregorio also teased a brand-new opening medley based on an iconic rock group that she expects will be well received by the crowd. The group’s setlist will feature covers of legendary artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Van Halen.
Raised on classic rock and a lifelong violinist, DiGregorio explained her unique artistic vision. Though trained in classical violin through school orchestras and competitions, her true passion was rock music. Inspired by guitar legends like David Gilmour, Randy Rhoads, Jimmy Page, and Alex Lifeson, she wanted to bring the spirit of rock guitar to the violin. Experimenting with guitar amplifiers at home, DiGregorio discovered she could mimic the guitar’s sound with her electric violin, eventually turning this into a full-fledged art form. The Femmes of Rock project aims to move string players out of their traditional backing roles and into the spotlight as lead performers.
Touring nationwide, Femmes of Rock chose to return to Elmira for several reasons. DiGregorio fondly recalled the warm welcome they received during their last visit, highlighting the supportive team at the LECOM Event Center—from merch sellers and meet-and-greet organizers to stagehands and tech staff. She emphasized how the kindness and professionalism of the Elmira community made their previous show memorable and enjoyable.
DiGregorio also noted that Elmira, along with a few other special venues, remains a standout stop on their tour. “First Arena, now the LECOM Event Center, is definitely one of those places that we talk about the rest of the year,” she said.
Fans can look forward to an announcement of international tour dates, expected on June 15th.
