Jori Costello is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist performer, playwright, visual artist, and teacher. In her fifth decade of performing, Jori has been in several bands and choirs. She’s been a solo performer, a dance DJ, radio host, and festival emcee. She’s also been delving into her lifelong love of acting.
In Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jori is well-known for her involvement with OMNI Open Mic for Peace; leading songs at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fayetteville; and performing and touring nationally with the band Big Bad Gina. Big Bad Gina currently has three CD’s featuring original songs by each band member as well as arrangements of iconic women’s music.
Jori has also been recognized for her active contribution to other local groups and events, and to the women’s community at large. On the radio, you can hear Jori’s women’s music radio show, Go Sistah Go, as DJ Sistah JoJo! Tune in Fridays at 3 p.m. Central on your community radio, KPSQ 97.3FM, or online at KPSQ.org.
In the area of theater, Jori’s one-woman play, Songs of My Soul, is a musical tribute honoring the beginning of the women’s music movement. It has been featured at seven women’s music festivals and venues. In northwest Arkansas theaters, collaborating with actor/director Jules Taylor, Jori has added soundscape, original music, music direction, and live performance.
Among her accomplishments she’s received winning recognition in the Ozark Music Awards for “Folk Artist of the Year” for 2002 and “Best Solo Female Singer/Songwriter” for the 2005 Northwest Arkansas Music Awards (NAMA). Jori’s first CD, Home Grown, was nominated for “Best CD” in the Ozark region. She has been featured on many compilations. Her song “War Games” was included on the OMNI Peace Center’s Peace CD, and her song “Past the Pain” was featured for the Arkansas Children’s Shelter. In 2016 her song “Are You There?” was included on the Green Burial CD, Livin’ and Dying.