Just announced: vocalist Samirah Evans will be the opening act for Aaron Neville’s September 19 performance.
A bit about Samirah:
During Samirah Evans 25-year career as a performer and recording artist, she has become known for her dynamic, soulful approach to jazz and blues, among other genres.Her musical style is also heavily influenced by the New Orleans sound where she was one of the city’s most popular and in-demand singers. Her 1990 debut at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival began a stint of 15 consecutive years performing there as a leader or featured vocalist, and she was a fixture in both clubs and concert venues throughout the Crescent City, including Snug Harbor, Tipitina’s and the House of Blues. During her career, she has toured North and South America, Europe and Asia, sharing stages with a multitude of New Orleans notables and legendary artists, including James Brown, B.B. King, Sheila Jordan, Terence Blanchard, Donald Harrison, Jr., Poncho Sanchez, Charles Neville, Bob Dorough, Irma Thomas, Kermit Ruffins, Trombone Shorty and Sam Kininger.The New Orleans Times Picayune named Evans’ debut CD, Give Me a Moment, the fifth best new release of 2002. She has recorded two other full-length CDs as a leader, My Little Bodhisattva (2007) and Hot Club: Live at the Vermont Jazz Center (2009), as well as several single song downloads of original compositions. She has also appeared as a featured or supporting vocalist on several New Orleans artist recordings and compilations.Hurricane Katrina caused Samirah to relocate to her husband’s hometown of Brattleboro, Vermont. She has since been performing in venues and festivals throughout the northeast with her band, Samirah Evans and Her Handsome Devils, as well as with Jamoie and His Jasssz Band, among other projects.