EARLVILLE – In a special performance geared toward children and families, bluesman Guy Davis will take to the stage at 7 p.m. tonight at the Earlville Opera House, 18 East Main Street in Earlville.
Davis has done residencies teaching about blues music to children both in the United States and abroad - including programs at schools, colleges, and arts centers. He has been a part of several television projects aimed for children, including Jack’s Big Music Show on Nick Jr.
Davis, a self-taught guitarist hailing from the New York City area, not only plays the blues - he is also a composer, director, actor and writer. Davis stated he never had the patience to take formal guitar lessons, and instead learned the craft by listening to and watching other musicians. His interest in acting led him to the lead role in the film “Beat Street,” and on television as Dr. Josh Hall on “One Life to Live.”
Later, Davis had the opportunity to combine his passions for music and acting. In 1991, he made his Broadway musical debut in “Mulebone,” which featured the music of Taj Mahal.
In 1993, Davis won the Blues Foundation’s “Keeping the Blues Alive Award” after receiving rave reviews for portraying legendary blues player Robert Johnson in “Robert Johnson: Trick the Devil.”
He has gone on to write material incorporating music and acting, including “In Bed with the Blues: The Adventures of Fishy Waters” - a one-man show; “The Trial: Judgement of the People” - an anti-drug abuse play that toured throughout the N.Y.C. shelter system; and he arranged, performed and co-wrote the music for the Emmy award-winning film “To Be A Man.”
Davis’ most recent release - “The Adventures of Fishy Waters: In Bed with the Blues” - is an audio book-on-tape style CD of his play. This is his first self-released project since his first CD in 1995.
Davis has more than 12 album releases under his belt, including “Sweetheart Like You,” released in 2009, and he reached a number one position on the charts. His 1998 release “You Don’t Know My Mind” was nominated for a W.C. Handy award for Best Traditional Blues Album.
The man is no stranger to such accolades - having received nominations for Best Blues Song and Best Acoustic Blues Artist. Davis’ 2004 release, “Legacy,” was hailed as one of the best CDs of the year by NPR.
Tonight’s performance by Davis is geared toward children and families and aims to introduce them to the style of blues music. For this reason, the Earlville Opera House reserves the right to give preference of the remaining free tickets to youths and families with children. If seats remain, other parties without children will be granted seating - the Earlville Opera House staff does not want to have to turn away the children and families wishing to attend.
The show is comprised of two 45 minute sets with an intermission. The East and West Galleries of the Arts Cafe in the Opera House will be open before the performance and during the intermission, and serves desserts, cool summer beverages, and hot coffee and tea.
Davis’ appearance is supported in part by a grant through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services through the Madison County Youth Bureau.
To reserve seats, call 315-691-3550 or email info@earlvilleoperahouse.com. Unreserved tickets will be available at the door with youth and families given first consideration.
Further information on Guy Davis can be found at guydavis.com. For more information on tonight’s performance or other upcoming events at the Earlville Opera House, visit earlvilleoperahouse.com.