Posted by (+189) 12 years ago
Davina and the Vagabonds to kick off concert series
BY AMANDA BREITBACH RAGSDALE
Star Staff Writer
The Confluence will host a series of concerts this summer in addition to its weekly Open Mic Night, held every Saturday at the Miles City Elks Lodge.
Minnesota-based blues band Davina and the Vagabonds will kick off the series on Friday, June 24, followed by singer/songwriter Mike Zito and his band on Aug. 4 and the outrageous Igor and the Red Elvises on Sept. 1. Each concert will be opened by talented local musicians.
Davina and the Vagabonds are known for their unique sound, with piano, string bass and horns backing up powerful vocals. Band leader Davina Sowers has a deep, throaty voice and is a classically trained pianist. Backed by Michael Carvale on string bass, Daniel Eikmeier on trumpet, Ben Link on trombone and Connor McRae on drums, the band puts together a rollicking, New Orleans flavor and a fun, high-energy show.
"Listening to Davina and the Vagabonds is like stepping into a wondrous musical time machine. They have the panache and superlative musicianship to recreate the retro sound and ageless appeal of golden age Americana in high-definition reality on stage for your immense pleasure and enjoyment," said reviewer Ken Wright of the Thunderbay Blues Festival.
Other tour dates for the band this summer include the Hambone Blues Festival in Rochester, Minn., Magic City Blues Festival in Billings, Big Bulls Falls Festival in Wausau, Wis., Sierre Blues Festival in Sierre, Switzerland and the Daytona Blues Festival in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Despite touring relentlessly, Davina and the Vagabonds have released four albums in the last few years. Their most recent effort is "Black Cloud," released earlier this year. To learn more or to hear a sample of the band's music, visit www.davinaandthevagabonds.com/.
Opening the show will be Miles City's own Marie Rivard, who packs a surprisingly big, powerful voice in her small frame.
Don't miss what is sure to be a soulful, inspiring and more than toe-tapping performance.
Tickets are available now at Kafé Utza, the Buy Montana store and the Montana Bar. Tickets are also available online at www.confluenceperformingarts.com.
The Confluence is a performing arts group working to find a permanent home for live music and the arts in Miles City.