Davina & The Vagabonds at John G Shedd Institute for the Arts

Bluesy, blustery, bawdy and irresistibly fun, Davina & The Vagabonds have carved their own niche in the blues world with their high-energy live performances and rollicking compositions that combine elements of boogie-woogie, ragtime, early rock and Basin Street, anchored by the prodigiously talented pianist and singer Davina Sowers. Hailing from Minneapolis-Saint Paul, the band built their careers in the trenches of the Twin Cities club scene, playing as many as 300 shows a year before making the jump to international recognition. They’ve performed across the U.S., Canada and Europe in the ensuing years, including a pair of star-making appearances at the 2013 and 2014 Monterey Jazz Festival that inspired the Monterey Herald to declare them “easily among the breakout stars at this year’s festival.” Their last studio release, Sunshine, received a four-star review from DownBeat, and their new live album, Nicollet and Tenth, documents a typically raucous performance at their hometown club, The Dakota. With a musical signature that marries Sowers’ barrelhouse piano and gutsy, sweet vocals with a loose-limbed rhythm section and boisterous brass, Davina and Vagabonds bring an irrepressible energy that a venue as intimate as the Joe Henderson Lab will barely be able to contain....

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Bluesy, blustery, bawdy and irresistibly fun, Davina & The Vagabonds have carved their own niche in the blues world with their high-energy live performances and rollicking compositions that combine elements of boogie-woogie, ragtime, early rock and Basin Street, anchored by the prodigiously talented pianist and singer Davina Sowers. Hailing from Minneapolis-Saint Paul, the band built their careers in the trenches of the Twin Cities club scene, playing as many as 300 shows a year before making the jump to international recognition. They’ve performed across the U.S., Canada and Europe in the ensuing years, including a pair of star-making appearances at the 2013 and 2014 Monterey Jazz Festival that inspired the Monterey Herald to declare them “easily among the breakout stars at this year’s festival.” Their last studio release, Sunshine, received a four-star review from DownBeat, and their new live album, Nicollet and Tenth, documents a typically raucous performance at their hometown club, The Dakota. With a musical signature that marries Sowers’ barrelhouse piano and gutsy, sweet vocals with a loose-limbed rhythm section and boisterous brass, Davina and Vagabonds bring an irrepressible energy that a venue as intimate as the Joe Henderson Lab will barely be able to contain.

Now Hear This Series Ticketing: Purchase at The Shedd Institute Ticket Office (541-434-7000, 868 High Street). Shedd Institute concerts at the Hult Center must be purchased at the Hult Ticket Office (541-682-5000, One Eugene Center). Discounts to most Shedd Institute shows available for youths high school and younger (50%); college student with current student ID (10%); group discounts for purchases of 6 or more tickets to a single show (10%), discount for purchases of 15 or more (15%). Shedd Institute package discounts (10% to 20%) are available through The Shedd Ticket Office (541-434-7000 or 868 High Street) or on the web. Discounts cannot be combined.

Don’t miss our great set-menu, casual pre-performance dinners for $19.75 ($14.75, kids 9 and younger) in The Shedd’s Great Hall 1 1/2 hours before most evening performances at The Shedd (usually 6 pm). Prepared by The Shedd's resident chef, Shelby Hoopes-Tice, each meal includes entrée (vegetarian option), salad, side dish, dessert, coffee and tea. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are available for purchase. Reservations with The Shedd Ticket Office at least 1 day in advance are required.

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