Rock/Pop
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A Tribute to Connie Francis Feat. Diane & Emy Miller at Dakota
Step back into the golden era of American pop! Mother–daughter duo Diane and Emy Miller bring the timeless music of the late Connie Francis to life. From “Who’s Sorry Now” to “Where the Boys Are,” Connie Francis was the voice of a generation. Also, she would blend heartbreak, romance, and joy with a sound that defined the late ’50s and ’60s. With Diane and Emy’s undeniably heartwarming harmonies, this tribute captures both the nostalgia and the enduring magic of Connie’s catalog. Expect a night of unforgettable melodies, tender ballads, and lively hits. Moreover, these classics will be performed with heartfelt reverence and a unique family harmony that makes this show one-of-a-kind. Diane and Emy have been singing on big stages together for over twenty years. Also, this includes The New Standards’ Holiday Showcase at the State Theater in 2023. Diane (Miller) is a dynamic Minneapolis-based vocalist, songwriter, guitarist, and radio personality. Further, she is known for her eclectic talent and deep connections to the local music scene. Diane’s standout year as an interviewer, radio host, and musician led to a recent feature in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. Additionally, she has earned her praise for her “rock solid” contributions across multiple platforms. From hip-hop and rock ‘n’ roll to folk, Diane has consistently brought a wide range of genres to life throughout the Twin Cities. Some of Diane’s career milestones include performing the national anthem for both the Minnesota Twins and Lynx, Also, sharing the stage with punk icon Tommy Stinson at First Avenue and the Dakota. And, interviewing movie star Timothée Chalamet at the Minneapolis premiere of A Complete Unknown. As a prominent radio host, Diane is the voice behind The Local Show, a staple of Minnesota music programming on The Current. Leslie Vincent is a prolific songwriter and jazz vocalist. She is equally at home singing the Great American Songbook, musical theater, and contemporary rock and pop. Thus, she has quickly become one of the most notable voices to emerge in the vibrant Minneapolis music scene. Here, Vincent is hailed for her joy-filled performances and her “fun, human, beautiful interpretations” (Levi Weinhagen). Recommended for fans of Connie Francis, Guy Lombardo, Peggy Lee and Doris Day.
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Davina and The Vagabonds
“Davina and the Vagabonds combat heartache with sugar and sass.” – Downbeat Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene. Their high-energy live shows feature level-A musicianship, sharp-dressed professionalism and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. Also, their influences range from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits. Moreover, the band is converting audiences one show at a time, from Vancouver to Miami and across Europe. Much like the music, the story spurns era, expectation and classification. The often unbelievable, sometimes harrowing, and wholly inspiring journey of Davina Sowers gave birth to her eponymous band in 2004. As the tale goes, she grew up in the economically depressed Allegheny town of Altoona, PA. She now describes the town as “awesome in the industrial era, but horrible for high school.” Then, she was adopted by her stepfather when he was in his 80s; he passed when she was just 13. Through him and his Edison phonograph, she first heard the music that would start her journey. For example, The Ink Spots, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and many others. “Great man. He was my angel and still is,” she says. On her own, she vividly recalls hours in front of the record player at home. There, she religiously spun Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Simon and Garfunkel records belonging to her folk singer mom. To this day, Davina still refers to music as “my first and eternal love.” Despite early dalliances with classical piano and guitar, she developed a heavy drug habit in high school. Further, this morphed into heroin dependency, left her homeless, sent her in and out of jail and brought on all manner of trouble. Kicking dope on the streets, she “got clean, started the band and worked ass off every day since.” Recommended for fans of Pokey LaFarge, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Hot Sardines and Squirrel Nut Zippers.