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Rita Ski - Singer, Entertainer.
Rita has performed along side Frank Ifield, The Drifters, Bernard Manning, Roy Chubby Brown, Foofoo Lamar and has worked with songwriters Nat Kipner and Ben Findon.
Rita originally started singing with a cabaret band called Silhouette who were based in Burnley, Lancashire. They were a harmony band with guitar, bass and drums who worked all over the North of England.
After deciding to add keys to the line up, they met John Oddie who made a vast improvement to the band. John introduced us to Paul Fieldhouse (Percussion) and the band changed direction to heavier material which more suited her voice.
Silhouette toured Europe many times, mainly working with British and American military. They also spent 6 months in Durban, South Africa.
They met songwriter Nat Kipner and he wrote some material for them which they later recorded.
Their next recording was produced by Ben Findon at his own studio. THey recorded Ben's song "Make the most of it" and a John Oddie’s song "I Can take a hint".
As the band eventually went their own ways Rita became a solo artiste and worked the pubs and clubs in the North.
Rita met Michael Ryan, manager and promoter of Foofoo Lammar at Foofoo’s Palace Manchester. She eventually became compere for Mr Lammar and stayed there for many years as well as working other Manchester venues. During this time, Rita willingly helped Frank(Foofoo) with the Charity work he was involved in and also took part in the TV series Foofoo's Party.
When Foofoo announced his retirement Rita went on to live her dream. In 1999 she opened her "Showbar In The Sun", Flanagan’s in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote.
From the start, the bar was a great success. The combination of Rita Ski and comedy/drag artiste Bianca (Butch to everyone) seemed unstoppable, but like all good things after 12 years, the lease on the bar ended and Rita returned to work in the UK.
Over the years when touring the world Rita was accompanied by her "Roadie", Huddersfield born and bred Dave Marriott. Who is affectionately known to all as Dave the B*****d!!!
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