Samford alumnus and world class magician, David Garrard brings his special brand of magic to Samford. David’s mix of magic and music has made him popular with audiences throughout the United States for more than 50 years. He recently appeared on the popular television show Penn and Teller: Fool Us! David’s show will feature audience participation tricks, so be ready to help make the magic happen! David will also perform several larger illusions, such as Houdini’s Trunk or Sawing a Woman in Two. Admission is free and no ticket necessary!
Sandra McCracken’s prolific contributions as a songwriter, modern-day hymn writer, and record producer has brought grace and clarity to her soulful, folk-gospel sound. Whether in a theater or in a chapel, she is a dynamic performer who blurs the lines of what church music sounds like, captivating and inviting audiences to sing along. Registration opens August 20, 2019.
Co-presented by Tonight at the Wright and Birmingham Chamber Music Society. A native of Los Angeles, Grammy® nominated drummer Sammy Miller has become known for his relentless focus on making music that feels good as a drummer, singer, and bandleader. Upon completing his Master’s at The Juilliard School, Sammy formed his ensemble, The Congregation. As a band, they share the power of community through their music—joyful jazz. Award winning theatre incubator, Ars Nova selected The Congregation for the ‘Makers Lab’ in 2017 to develop their genre-bending show, “Great Awakening.” While independently the band members have performed and recorded with notable artists including Wynton Marsalis, Lady Gaga, and Queen Latifah at venues including the White House, Lincoln Center and the Hollywood Bowl, they have opted to stick together to spread joy throughout the world. Get onboard @smcongregation.
Co-presented by Birmingham Chamber Music Society. Founded in San Francisco in 1978, Chanticleer is known around the world as "an orchestra of voices" for the seamless blend of its twelve male voices ranging from countertenor to bass and its original interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz, and from gospel to venturesome new music.
Gabriela Montero’s visionary interpretations and unique improvisational gifts have won her a devoted following around the world. Anthony Tommasini remarked in The New York Times, “Montero’s playing has everything: crackling rhythmic brio, subtle shadings, steely power in climactic moments, soulful lyricism in ruminative passages and, best of all, unsentimental expressivity.” Co-presented by the Birmingham Chamber Music Society.
Liz Vice has always had a love for storytelling. The Portland native who currently resides in Brooklyn, started her career working behind the scenes in the world of film and video, only to accidentally find herself behind the mic. Liz Vice's sound is a fusion of Gospel and R-and-B, with dynamic and soulful vocals, and lyrics, deeply rooted in spirituality, that give her work a timeless feel. Registration opens January 28, 2019.
Invoke continues to successfully dodge even the most valiant attempts at genre classification. The multi-instrumental quartet is fueled by their passion for storytelling and their music is infused with traditions from across America, including bluegrass, Appalachian fiddle tunes, jazz and minimalism. Invoke weaves all of these styles together to form a unique contemporary repertoire, featuring original works composed by and for the group. Guest residency will include Monday Coffee House Composition Competition and Tuesday public recital. Concert is co-presented by Birmingham Chamber Music Society.
