Davina and the Vagabonds Program 2014

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N O S A E S 2015

Saturday, December 6 7:30 p.m.

www.monroeccc.edu/theater

AND A N I V A D NDS O B A G T H E VA DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS: SHAKING UP THE NATIONAL BLUES SCENE Davina and the Vagabonds – whose current feature album, “Sunshine” debuted last month at No. 13 on the Billboard Blues Chart – have created a stir on the national blues scene with their high-energy live shows, sharp-dressed professionalism and lead vocalist Davina Sowers’ commanding stage presence.

With influences ranging from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits, the band is converting audiences one show at a time, from Vancouver to Miami and across Europe.

“Sunshine” recently received four out of five stars from Downbeat magazine, which labeled Sowers a “one-of-a-kind performer whose singing, just this side of campy affectation, has a sassiness baring some comparison to that of heart-thumping blues queens Ma Rainey and Ida Cox. With the Vagabonds (two brass players, a drummer, a string bassist-tubaist) blurring territorial lines between jazz and blues, she’s on the top of her game drawing authentic feeling out the words to eight songs she wrote and time-tested Fats Waller and Eddie Miller tunes.”

The band’s 2011’s recording, “Black Cloud,” was named one of the 10 best releases of the year by the Minneapolis Star & Tribune.

Davina and the Vagabonds’ stage shows are filled with New Orleans charm, Memphis soul swagger, dark theatrical moments and tender gospel passages. Davina’s voice and stage presence defy category in a different way, and she has been compared to Etta James, Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday and Betty Boop.

But comparisons don’t suffice: Sowers is a true original.

Mick Rainsford summed up Sowers in this way for Blues in Britain magazine: “Think of a meld of Bessie Smith, Etta James, Alberta Adams and Amy Winehouse, and you come close to understanding what Davina Sowers is all about.”

John Hynes of Elmore Magazine called Sowers a “modern day, female version of Louis Armstrong.”

Davina and the Vagabonds

Davina Sowers Songwriter/Piano/Vocals

Ben Link Trombone

Daniel Eikmeier Trumpet/Vocals

Connor McRae Drums/Percussion

Greg Byers Bass

Discounts

Groups of 15 or more, seniors, and MCCC staff and students can receive a $2 discount off the full ticket price when tickets are purchased in person at the MCCC Cashier’s Office prior to the day of the event. Discounts will not be given the day of the performance. Tickets are based on availability, so please make your plans early.

Student Rush

Monroe County Community College students with a valid student I.D. can

purchase up to two tickets at half price 30 minutes before the start of any show.

Catering for GROUPS

In conjunction with one of our events, groups of 20 or more can take advantage of the beautiful spaces right inside the La-Z-Boy Center by holding a gathering in one of our reception areas.

From a simple reception to a complete dinner, let us help you provide an event your group won’t soon forget. Please call Tom Ryder at (734) 384-4201 for more information and availability.

TICKETS Make Excellent

GIFTS

Gift certificates for MCCC events are available at the MCCC Cashier’s Office.

Donate CULTURAL ARTS TODAY to

at MCCC

The Foundation at MCCC is working to establish a Cultural Enrichment Endowment dedicated to maintaining and expanding the cultural programs and events held at the college. For more information, go to www.monroeccc.edu/foundation/enrichment.html, or call (734) 384-4207.

La-Z-Boy Center Meyer Theater

The La-Z-Boy Center is Monroe County Community College’s state-of-the-art theater complex and corporate training facility.

The La-Z-Boy Center houses the 575-seat Meyer Theater, which is surrounded by a rehearsal hall, dressing and make-up rooms, and scene shop.

The complex also has six multi-use training rooms, a computer classroom and a multi-use lecture hall. The facility is complemented by a large atrium and a full culinary kitchen. The offices of the college’s Division of Corporate and Community Services are located in the La-Z-Boy Center, as well as the Board Room.

The La-Z-Boy Center provides exciting opportunities for students and the community and is flexible enough to respond to three different and equally important needs – cultural arts programming, customized training for business and industry, and unparalleled space for community activities and conferences.

For a detailed Meyer Theater seating chart, go to www.monroeccc.edu/theater/ seats-web.pdf

s t n e v E 2014

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SO A E S 2015

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March 17

December 15

Click Clack Moo

Jim Brickman

Symphony Band Concert

March 27

October 20

January 24

Band and Chorale Concert

Classic Albums Live – Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon”

October 17

November 22 The Highwaymen Live: A Musical Tribute

February 6

December 6

February 22

Davina and The Vagabonds

Band and Chorale ‘Collage’ Concert

December 8

February 28

MCCC’s Prelude Children’s Chorus

28th Annual Black History Month Blues Series Concert

December 9 Agora Chorale Concert

The Marshall Tucker Band

March 7 Gilbert Gottfried

River Raisin Ragtime Revue April 11 and 12 Antiques in April April 18 and 19 And Away We Go! Inside Out Dance Ensemble April 27 Symphony Band Concert April 28 Agora Chorale Concert May 4 Prelude Children’s Chorus