Saffire, The Uppity Blues Women, one of the country’s most popular acoustic blues groups, will be performing two shows Friday night at the Maintenance Shop in promotion of their latest album, “Live & Uppity.”

“For people who don’t like the blues, this is a great band to break in to,” Eric Yarwood, M-Shop coordinator, said of the all-female band.

This weekend marks the ninth year the group has visited Ames.

“I’ve been a fan before I came to Iowa State. They make it fun and the crowd loves them,” Yarwood says. “The crowd can expect a different kind of blues music.”

The group started in the late 1980s when part-time professional musician, Ann Rabson, and her guitar student, Gaye Adegbalola, quit their jobs in favor of pursuing a music career full time.

In 1992, Saffire added its third member, Andra Faye.

The three middle-aged women started performing in small Virginia clubs and eight short years later were performing in concert halls and performing arts centers all over the world.

They are best known for their talent and sassy attitudes.