Who are AURA3 aka The Torkwenches?

Answer 1

AURA3 is a female, acoustic trio of singer-songwriters originated in 1991 by Dodi Shore, Marilyn Ingram and Nancy Smith of the Winston-Salem, NC area.

The group was best known for their remarkable harmony and vocal work and for their ability to create a full sound with very few players. Shore performing on guitar, bass pedals and vocals simulteneously added to Ingram's heavy use of small percussion instruments, powerful lead vocals and Smith's country influenced lead and back up vocals created the AURA3 sound.

AURA3 garnered a following as the long standing opening act for former Monkee, Peter Tork. Tork himself gave them the moniker "The Torkwenches", also using them additionally on stage as his background vocalists for his various projects including his band Peter Tork and Shoe Suede Blues.

The group's second CD, "For Pete's Sake" released in 2003 was a nod to their great friend Tork. Tork and mutual friend James Lee Stanley, performed on the CD's title cut, the familiar closing theme of "The Monkees" 60's TV sitcom, and penned by Tork.

AURA3 performed background vocals for the cut "Bound to Lose" from Peter Tork and Shoe Suede Blues's 2007 recording, "Cambria Hotel." Shore also performed an autoharp.

Shore left the band in June 2008, following the release of the group's final album with the original line up, "Dirty Angels."

Prior to Shore's exit, Marilyn Ingram went on to manage and tour with Tork for several years and through 2007. In 2009 she released her solo CD, "Moth to the Flame." AURA3 member Nancy Smith has continues to work with Ingram as has Ingram's daughter, Megan who performed background vocals and djembe on several AURA3 recordings. Ingram continues to work with various classic rock, pop and R&B artists. Additonally she is the Executive Director of The Lewisville Area Arts Council, Inc., a small 501(c)(3) program arts council based in Lewisville, NC.

AURA3 Discography

1998 - Dodi & Co.

2000 - Damsels In Distress (EP)

2003 - For Pete's Sake

2006 - Pray For Peace Feople Everywhere (Christmas EP)

2008 - Dirty Angels

Marilyn Ingram solo

2009 - Moth to the Flame

AURA3 links

http://www.aura3.net

http://www.YouTube.com/torkwenches

http://www.myspace.com/marilyningram