Hoodoo favorites Davina & The Vagabonds hits Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Wednesday, Feb. 4, 6-9 p.m. The Minneapolis-based jump and swing band has been turning heads with their lively reinterpretation of classic sounds. Davina’s vocal range and infectiously joyous style are unique and the band’s horn and keyboard-driven sound also sets them apart in the blues-rock guitar hero era. The band is touring in support of their lastest self-produced disc, Sunshine. Davina and the boys will be back in the metro for a gig at The 21st Saloon Thursday, March 26.
WRITER’S NOTE: Due to Feb. 4th’s inclement weather, Davina & The Vagabonds cancelled their Feb. 4 appearance at the Zoo Bar and rescheduled their show for Wednesday, March 25, 6-9 p.m.
Shannon Curfman Returns
In 1999, Shannon Curfman was a teen blues-rock phenom signed to Arista Records. These days, Curfman is back on the road fronting her own band. She’s also been collaborating with everyone from young blues artists Sena Ehrhardt and Cole Allen to Kid Rock. Curfman has been touring as a part of Kid Rock’s band for the last few years, but is hitting the road with more solo shows leading her own band. Check her out at The 21st Saloon Thursday, Feb. 5, 6-9 p.m. See shannoncurfman.com.
Roots Revivalists
You have two chances to catch Ross Kleiner & The Thrill next week, a band getting rave reviews comparing their live-wire roots-rock approach to acts like J.D. McPherson, Nikki Hill and the late Nick Curran. The Minneapolis-based band plays Rockabilly Night at Chrome Lounge, 8522 Park Dr., Wedneday, Feb. 11, 7:30-11 p.m. The band also plays next week’s show at The 21st Saloon Thursday, Feb.12, 6-9 p.m. The reviews so far sound intriguing.
“It’s rare to find an artist that understands and respects vintage music, and breathes new life into it, without evoking smirks and snorts, or worse, from his fellow faithful. Ross Kleiner & The Thrill approach rock ‘n’ roll music with a fans heart and an expert’s ear, and get it entirely right,” writes reviewer Tom Hyslop.
Kleiner’s hometown paper the Minneapolis Star Tribune says “You Don’t Move Me is an impressive debut album. Kleiner has a cool Gene Vincent-style howl and a mighty backing band, anchored by sizzling Winnipeg guitarist Cornelius Watson. Fans of the Current’s rockabilly darling JD McPherson should check out Ross Kleiner & The Thrill.”
Kris Lager Band CD Release
Kris Lager Band has a CD release party next Friday, Feb. 13, for their new disc Heavy Soul & Boogie Trance at The Hive, 9-11 p.m. The CD was produced by Kelly Finnigan and Ian McDonald of The Monophonics and mixed by Sergio Rios of Orgone. Kris Lager Band’s Platte River Runaway produced by Tab Benoit at his Louisiana studios is also available for purchase from krislagerband.com.
OEA Awards Coming Up Feb. 15
The 9th Annual Omaha Entertainment & Arts Awards show is coming up next Sunday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. The show takes place at he DoubleTree downtown with music performances by nominees including Matt Whipkey, Dirty River Ramblers, Prairie Gators, DJEM & Linear Symmetry, Devel Crips and 1980star Comedy.
See oea-awards.com for details including ticket purchase information.
Hot Notes
Lincoln Exposed takes over the Zoo Bar, Duffy’s and The Bourbon Theatre Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 4-7. Lots of local artists and genres are represented. Check the schedule at
bourbontheatre.com/2014/12/30/lincoln-exposed-2015
Benson First Friday fires up its latest installment of art, culture and music this Friday, Feb. 5. Check out the events at bensonfirstfriday.com or facebook.com/BensonFirstFriday.
The 21st Saloon hosts a special Valentine’s Night concert with Mike Zito & The Wheel, Saturday, Feb. 14, 6 p.m. See facebook.com/BluesSocietyofOmaha.