Questions for Davina

Published 5:00 pm Saturday, September 3, 2011

Davina and the Vagabonds will be playing the Paramount Theatre on Sept. 16. - Photo provided

Davina and the Vagabonds will bring a unique array of musical sounds to the Paramount Theatre to kick off the fall music season Sept. 16.

Davina took a few minutes away from a tour overseas with the Vagabonds to answer a few questions via e-mail about their upcoming set in Austin.

ADH: What can people expect from the concert Sept. 16?

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Davina: A good time. A blast from the past with old pre war jazz, some rock’n ’50s music, some originals and exciting new takes old so old time favorites.

ADH: How would you describe the band’s sound?

Davina: Organic and fresh. We have a new Orleans vibe with a blues background.

ADH: From what I’ve read, the band takes pride in high-energy performances and plays many shows a year. Why do you put such an emphasis on concerts, and is it difficult to maintain the energy when playing so many shows?

Davina: This is what we do for a living, we are very proud of the fact that we are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to make music for a living. We truly believe in what we do and feel like we are living our dream so that makes it very easy for us to play with such high energy. We would play more if we could.

ADH: I believe the band has played Austin’s Paramount Theatre before — anything stick out to you about the venue or the community?

Davina: The people were so wonderful and so gracious. When we heard they wanted us back we couldn’t be more happy. Also we love playing theaters more than any other kind of venue. We loved the authenticity of the theater, too. The beauty kept by your historical society. I have a thing for older architecture.

ADH: Who are some of your musical influences?

Davina: Tom Waits, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, Muddy Waters — too many to list here.

ADH: How do you think the band compares to other Minnesota-based acts?

Davina: We are a lot different that most bands because of our instrumentation. Also because we all sing and we have so many originals.

ADH: If you could book a show opening for one other performer, who would it be?

Davina: Tom Waits for sure.