DAVINA LOZIER: SINGER/ SONGWRITER of the band DAVINA and the VAGABONDS

                             SINGER DAVINA LOZIER from
                                                         
                                                                      DAVINA and the VAGABONDS

Cincy Streets and ProudCheorkee Productions are very honored to have this National and International Artist on the blog. Please enjoy reading about the amazingly talented Davina Lozier with Davina and the Vagabonds

You may have seen Davina and the Vagabonds on the Bluegrass Underground television show. She performed the hit song, "I'd Rather Go Blind," by the legendary Etta James, seen here in this video.  

Davina received a standing ovation, which came to be a surprise to the gracious singer. The performance brought her, and the band, much deserved recognition, which, in my opinion, was long overdue. 

Davina Sowers-Lozier was born in a small railroad town in Altoona, Pennsylvania. She was considered an eccentric, someone who didn't quite fit in. She lives by the beat of her own drum. Davina comes from a musical family and was classically trained on the piano. She shares, "When I was young,  I learned piano at 6 years old, and, as a teen, my mom showed me a few things on guitar." She also plays "a little ukulele," and adds, " I just tried my best to be self taught." You can see and hear her perform on the ukulele on her first song ever written called, "Bee Sting."

Her love of music began instantly, she said, "I have always been a sponge with music. I really started to understand through a lot of the English blues; Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, and then listened to who they were influenced by. Then I understood why there were doing what they did. I started listening to Little Walter, Muddy Waters (who is my favorite). That lead me into the love of Soul music and even more."  

I asked her, when did you know you wanted to be a singer? She replied, "For as long as I can remember." She explains, "My first audience show was during my lunch period in second grade. I got up in front of the whole school and sang. My first paid gig was at a coffee house when I was 16 years old."

Davina has been compared to legendary singers Amy Whinehouse, Etta James, and Janis Joplin. She has an enticing grit in her voice, and tones ranging from low to high.  She is a powerhouse without a doubt. 

Davina is a survivor of family and personal struggles. Through no fault of her own, she was forced to become an adult at an early age. After a decade of what seemed to be a dark time for her, she made the conscious decision to move to Minnesota and rebuild her life. Her incredibly strong will, her faithful beliefs in God, and her gifted talents, are the miracles that have saved her life and helped her share her talents with the world.  She is truly an inspiration and a spiritual fighter. 

Behind the scenes, Davina is an extremely friendly, caring and humble soul. On stage, shines her bravery, adventurous and daring nature.  She is not afraid to express her emotions through her music. She truly sings with everything she's got.
  

I asked her what inspired her singing and music, she genuinely replied,  "My heart. The situations around me. The ability to be truthfully who I am." 

When talking about why she chose the blues, she says, "It gets me through life. I'm not just a blues singer though. I was born with a broken heart, people say,  but you can find those in many different blues based genres." 

Davina works extremely hard, not only as the singer, but also as the Band Leader. She shares, "The business is very stressful. It's really dog-eat-dog. It's a man's world, I have to keep it altogether.  I keep four people employed full time, that is their job. I pay them every week, the same thing, whether they work or not. And so that puts a lot of pressure on me.  I'm the one that does all the road management and all of the flight buying. I'm a perfectionist. I'm really a Type A. Socially, I get anxiety, especially with the Vagabonds.  Because there's a fine line of friendship and I want to treat them right." - Excerpt from The Current Radio Station 89.3, in Minnesota. 

She is passionate not only about her music, but for her band members, and her fans. They have traveled North America, as well as parts of Europe. They have been invited multiple times to appear at popular events.  

Davina has shared the stage with Legendary Buddy Guy, Little Feat, Elvin Bishop, The Lamont Cranston Band, The Blues Brothers, Joe Bonamassa, Irma Thomas, James Hunter and many more. Davina and the Vagabonds have played numerous venues and festivals including the House of Blues in Atlantic City, the Bayfront Blues Festival, Edinburgh Festival, and the list goes on. When asked what her most memorable places to perform she smiles and says, "So many, it's hard to pick one. Monterey Jazz Festival, Bluegrass Underground stick out."

Davina and the Vagabonds recently headlined at the popular Cincy Blues Fest, hosted by the Cincy Blues Society. 

Davina told the crowd that this was on her Bucket List. She shares, "It's just been on my bucket list for years. Being from Pennsylvania, there is a certain feel to Cincy. Work hard, play hard, blue collar cities are my favorite. The Queen City here has that beautiful balance. "

After a long day in the sun, traveling and playing for her fans, she stayed for a meet and greet, signing CDs and memorabilia. 

From morning 'til night, she is smiling and genuinely kind. She doesn't show how tired she must be from all her hard work. Davina is ever so humble. Which is what makes her even more lovable, as a musician and as a human being. She never takes anything for granted.  

   

Davina is not afraid to be open and share her feelings. Her music is unique but also has a New Orleans feel to it. She expresses, "I love this new genre way of approaching music our younger generation has. I'm not a blues purist, which is a common factor in the blues scene. I'm just grateful that older music, in general, is finding its way to newer generations."  Her ability to "let go" on stage comes from her inner strength. Davina explains, "It's the only place I can take advantage of it or I might explode if I don't." 

Her advice to the younger generation: " Feel it, listen to it, pick songs you can relate to. It takes a bit of time to get the feel of blues. It's not necessarily just the chords… but it's being able to convey what the feel is and the story behind it that is the most important."

To find out more about DAVINA and the VAGABONDS click the links below: 

FACEBOOK

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS WEBSITE 

Thank you Davina, and the Vagabonds, for being on Cincystreets! 

And to the readers, as always, thanks for reading! 

JESS LAMB: SINGER and SONGWRITER

JESS LAMB 

Singer/ Songwriter

Photo credit: Annette Navarro 

One night, my friend (Actress) Carrington Rowe, asked if I would meet her at Japp's Bar Downtown, owned by the wonderful Molly Wellman. We were sitting there, at a table with friends, just talking about the day to day. There was this energy in the room, a strong energy. We heard singing and music playing. It instantly grabbed my attention, I glanced near the front of the room and there was Jess Lamb. She was boldly playing the piano and had such a powerful presence. You could barely see her eyes from under her elegantly rimmed hat and large feathered earrings. She was playing her song, "The Morning," which at the time I had no idea. I was so moved by her incredible talent and just had to find out more about her. Thankfully, she graciously accepted my offer to be featured on Cincy Streets. 

Here is our interview. 

Jess lamb is a singer and songwriter, with an amazingly gifted voice. She sings from her whole body and soul. Jess has accomplished so much in these last few years, she began her music career officially in 2010. 

 (Photo credit, copyright by Brian Glass/Concert-captures.com)

I started playing piano when I was 8 years old. I learned to play by ear as I sat next to my aunt on the piano stool in a little Pentecostal church in Red Lion, OH. 




My entire family is musical, busting out their instruments and harmonies at family functions. 

Music was the thing that connected us, whether it was for fun or for worship. 

I always knew I wanted to sing, but it wasn't until I was in college at Miami University that I realized I could make a living with music.






There are so many artists I've been inspired by. I grew up listening to Mahalia Jackson, Mississippi Mass Choir, and a bunch of Southern Gospel artists. I was deeply inspired by their harmonies and positive message. Today I am most inspired by Portishead and Regina Spektor. 

                               

Jess Lamb, in 2015, performed on the notable and popular TV Show American Idol. She has been featured in CityBeat, Dayton Daily News, Cincinnati.com, WLWT channel 5, WCPO Channel 9, radio station Warm 98, radio station Class X, and many more. Jess has performed at the Prince Tribute Purple Reigns in 2016. She has toured many cities, especially in Los Angeles, and including playing with the Legendary Bootsy Collins. 

Here she is playfully playing alongside with singer, musician, Harry Connick, Jr. during her appearance on American Idol.  







She was ecstatic when she was chosen to go to Hollywood. Although she didn't win, she has become successful in Cincinnati and is a force to be reckon with.

Her appearance on American Idol opened many doors. It gained the interest of respected and prominent producer David Sisko. He has worked with artists like Bryan Ferry, Justin Timberlake, Destiny's Child, Kelly Clarkson, and many more. 

March 30th 2015 released single “Memories,” she originally wrote it in 2009, and by 2015 it was remixed by Sisko.

She has been nominated and won CEA Awards (Cincinnati Entertainment Award), as well as performed at the CEAs.

Her 2017 newest album is called, "Collection" from the Jess Lamb and Factory. 



















What are one of your memorable moments thus far as an independent musician? Thoughts on the indie scene?



We kicked off our first West Coast tour in 2016 opening for Bootsy Collins in Oakland, CA. As an indie artist it was exciting to perform for a sold out, massive, attentive crowd for the first time ever. The indie scene usually consists of playing smaller venues that we book and market on our own. But it is empowering to be an indie artist these days because we can own our publishing, release our music in all the major outlets and stay true to who we are without giving a percentage to a label.









Where did you learn to sing and play? Where do you play around Cincy and where have you played outside of Cincinnati?

I learned to sing and play in the church. Now, as I am more spiritual than religious, I perform in my Queen City, primarily in OTR and Northern KY. I hold a residency gig at Japp's in OTR every Thursday in which area musicians come to share their music and network. When we do tour, we perform on the West Coast (primarily LA).











How hard is it to be a performer? What are your struggles?



Performing isn't the biggest struggle I encounter. I am happy and free when I perform. As an indie artist, the struggle happens behind the scenes- booking, networking, publishing, marketing, etc. It is all worth it though.
                            
                                                          


                                                               

                                                          


Any advice for indie artists?


Master your craft. Sing and write everyday, even if you don't feel inspired. Inspire yourself. Support your musical peers. Collaborate with other artists. Be confident. And most of all, be present when you perform- music connects you to people in the audience in such an intimate way. The frequency you evoke when you are truly present can change the energy in a room. You are most powerful in that moment.







SONGS (recommended) 

Memories Album 2015           

Step Out of the Dark Album Dig Deep 2016 

The Morning Album 2017  



Thank you Jess Lamb for being a guest on Cincy Streets, it was an honor! 




If you would like to hear more of her music, contact information and background, just click the links below: 


JESS LAMB OFFICIAL WEBSITE       

JESS LAMB MUSIC 

FACEBOOK                 WLWT CH 5 Appearance with reggae band The Cliftones

TWITTER                                         CityBeat Interview

AMERICAN IDOL APPEARANCE 2015

AND.... as always, thanks for reading!

LAILA B. HAMEEN: ACTRESS and PERFORMER

LAILA B. HAMEEN

ACTRESS and PERFORMER

"From an early age, I wrote short stories, and entertained my mother and sisters by imitating people and other kids from my class."

When writing and sharing about artists, it is always individualized; from musicians to filmmakers, to actors to fine artists, everyone has their own style. For this particular article, I decided to take a different approach. Laila was such an open book, I decided, for your enjoyment, to have this entire article come directly from Laila, herself. She shares everything from her love and relationship with the camera, her education, her acting career and personal projects. She is ambitious, creative and driven. Laila is such a treat to learn about, I hope you enjoy all that she shares. 



"I started acting in the 6th grade, I was cast in the musical, ''Readin', Ritin', and Rockin. I continued acting through high school. I was a very shy child in school. I had a really bad public speaking phobia all throughout elementary. I was ashamed to even verbally participate in school." 

"Even though I was shy in public, I was quite the ham at home, from what I've been told. I love to write and act. Auditioning and landing a principle role was the moment when I decided that I wanted to be seen and heard."

"One of my best friends was oddly enough a 'camcorder.' Originally, my mother bought it to tape my performance in the 6th grade musical, and later gave it to me. I was fascinated with it. I would make short films about forks, spoons and cups. I got a lot of practice performing in front of the camera, when I was bored in my room." 






"In college, I majored in Radio and Television, and Spanish. I thought I was going to be a News Anchor. I graduated and decided that I wanted to pursue acting in Ohio, of all places."







"My first professional acting gig was when I was featured in a Speedway coffee commercial. That was my very first time on a commercial set with hair and makeup, and a trailer."

I had one line, "I can't live without pumpkin spiced cappuccino."

"The very first play I wrote is called, 'Laid Off.' It's a 'one woman show,' about my review of my life's experiences. I developed the idea after I got 'laid off' from my job in corporate radio. I was going through a touch time finding another job and dealing with my past experiences. I discuss dating mishaps, childhood memories of domestic violence and self esteem issues."

"I never thought in a million years I would write a play, much less one woman show. I was inspired by actor John Lequizamo's, one man show, 'Ghetto Klown,' an HBO special performance. From the moment I saw it I began writing 'Laid Off.' "

"I'm inspired by Dorothy Dandridge. As an African-American "Black" actress, I see her as an unsung Hollywood starlet. I remember being 11 years old and seeing her in the film adaptation of 'Carmen Jones.'"  

"Playwright Suzan Lori Parks inspires me, as a playwright. I watched a lot of interviews on her writing style and methods. She's very free spirited and I dig that! .... And my 'mum,' my mother inspires me, as well. She did some acting before I was born and she is one of my biggest supporters."

Thank you Laila B. Hameen for being on Cincystreets! 

You can see more of Laila's work by visiting her Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. Just tap the links below:

                                                   LAILA B HAMEEN FACEBOOK PAGE

                 CLIP OF LAID OFF

                   IMDB Full Biography

And, as always, thanks for reading!

CHUCK LAND: MUSICIAN and FILMMAKER

CHUCK LAND

Musician and Filmmaker

I met Chuck Land in 2004 at the Southgate House in Newport, Kentucky. My band, Pilar, had opened for the newgrass band The Rumpke Mountain Boys and Chuck was filming the entire show. After we had played, he approached me, introduced himself and informed me that he had cameras around the stage. He was very friendly, wide-eyed, energetic and grinning from ear to ear. I could instantly tell he was full of passion and really enjoyed what he was doing. 

He told me that the following weekend his band, "The Chuck Land Band" was also playing at the Southgate House. He invited me to come see his band. I had shared with Chuck that I was, and still am, an experienced camera operator. Chuck asked if I would film his band and I immediately agreed. Man, did he really put on a show!

Chuck really loves to entertain and to make people smile. He enjoys and supports other fellow musicians, and encourages them to partake when he is on stage. He primarily plays the piano, however he has been known to jump on the drums or pick up a guitar. He is a very multi-talented man. 

He shared with me he started playing drums at age 5, and at the age of 14 began playing professionally.  He told me his first actual gig was in a church, he was 11 years old. With a humble smile he says, " my family got me involved in music at an early age, growing up in a soulful church. Chuck said,"My love of keyboards and guitar began when I was 12. I always love it when people freak out, because I flip the guitar upside down and play left style." 

He explained where he received his huge love for music and stated he was "inspired by my Uncle Pete, Uncle Paul and my father, and also credit my first drum teacher Jeff Colvin." Chuck Land is a Cincinnati Native and said, "my Deer Park Jazz Band Directors John Matre and Joe Vetter really took me to the next level teaching me many things that set the foundation of being a professional musician." 

Although Chuck is well known for playing rhythm and blues, he tells me his "favorite genre of music is meditation/ ambient music to heal various chakras that relieve stress and anxiety." With being so preoccupied with film and music he looks for ways to relax and enjoys helping others in the process. He adds, "one day I plan on actually recording and releasing a Sound Healing Album that can help people feel so much better!" 

One can definitely see how Chuck has been moved by music and affected by the powerful and supportive outside influences. He shines when he performs and shares his passion with everyone around him. 




Chuck is as ambitious and excited about filmmaking, as he is his music. 

After sharing his personal history of making music, he continues to elaborate on his passion of filmmaking, and states, "I got involved in film around 2004 when I produced my first documentary featuring 28 bands called, 'My Passion Project.' " He combined his love of music and incorporated it with his love of film. However, he explains that "although I was shooting many bands out of passion for the first 5 years, I had my first film gig producing a promo piece on Dustin Carter, who was an armless/ legless Wrestler from Hillsboro, Ohio." When Dustin Carter went on to qualify for the State Tournament it brought attention to Chuck's promo. His promo film received "international attention." 


Chuck has two companies called Landman Productions, LLC and Landman Media & Photo. He is a professional camera man and offers his services of audio and visual for a variety of events, including weddings, bands, and an array of events. Just like music, Chuck shares, "I enjoy shooting for a variety of reasons. I love documenting history and making a living doing it with my companies."

Aside from his playing music and shooting professionally, he is currently working and shooting a television series called Hippiefied Soldier. He has, again, combined his love of music and filmmaking. 

He wrote the script and is now directing and acting in his feature film. Hippiefied Soldier is "a movie about a hippie rock star that gets drafted into the military to fight World World III." Chuck plays Charlie Grooves, a hippie, singer, performer who loves to party and have fun. However, his life changes when he discovers he has been drafted into the military. This story hits close to home as Chuck Land was in the marines. 

Getting to know Chuck and see him in action, whether he is performing with The Chuck Land Band, playing an instrument, having a musical "jam session" with friends, holding an event, or shooting a film, a band, or professional commercial, is nothing short of a pure treat. It is infectious to be around someone so driven and inspired. 






You can check out more of Chuck Land, his companies and follow the production of, Hippiefied Soldier, by clicking on the links below:

Landman Productions, LLC         Feature Film Hippiefied Soldier

Landman Media & Photo


World Premiere Showing of Hippiefied Soldier September 25, 2016



And, as always, thanks for reading!.... 

KELLY TIGERSEX: SINGER of the Band TIGER SEX

She is raw, in your face, and full of passion.... She is

 KELLY TIGERSEX! 

I met Kelly a couple years ago at the bar Mayday (now known as the Northside Yacht Club). Her band TIGER SEX was putting on a free show. She greeted me with a smile and said she was, "happy to see I could make it." We had been playing Facebook tag with messages. My impression of  Kelly was she seemed kind, honest, genuine, and possibly a woman with something up her sleeve. Man, was I in for a tremendously happy surprise.  She was all that, and then some.  She came out with guns blazing!

Kelly TigerSex is originally from Las Vegas. Her and her band made a conscious decision to move to Cincinnati to further the band's career. Let's look at where it all began...

TIGER SEX was created in 2012 but their first show was in 2013. As Kelly explains, "Kei (guitar) had a band called Tinglerz in Vegas and I was infatuated with that rock 'n roll band. I would dirty dance to them all night!"

"One Day we started hanging out and he told me I should sing after we jammed a little bit... I was like 'no way,' but after singing a bit we naturally started writing together and it became clear we had to start a band. TIGER SEX was born."

Kelly shares about her music inspiration, you can really see and hear her passion for music and how these artists have their influences when she hits the stage. She expresses and shares, "so here is music that inspires me. Being raised on 70's UK punk and rock 'n roll has really inspired me and after meeting Kei, my guitarist, and him introducing me to Japanese and other unknown rock artists (along with his awesome playing) to me has inspired me greatly as well! Stooges, Runaways, Link Wray, Velvet Underground, The Beatles, Zeke, Black Flag, Seeds, Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers, and Cramps are a few more known bands that have influenced and taught me greatly as well!" 


TIGER SEX had their first gig in Las Vegas at the Double Down Saloon. As Kelly puts it, "it was packed and a damn good time and we plan on going back soon!"

 
"I don't just prefer punk music but I really do love my 70's punk! I collect vinyl and have a lot of compilations of such random obscure stuff and it shows passion and whatever shitty instruments they had, they made work and let their natural talent, aggression, hate, love, everything out into the music."





Kelly puts her heart and soul into the music, as you can tell from her response. I asked her, "What do you think could get punk music out there more? And what do you think about the indie scene?" She expressed, "getting punk music out there? Honestly, being good at what you do and putting your feeling and ambition into your music will help you spread it better. Being all you can be naturally and doing what you love with passion is important... not just doing it because you can play a guitar/ bass or keep a beat or bark words but actually play with feeling, hit the shit outta those drums and sing like you mean it... to me spreading music is hard but if people like it, they will follow you."

"Music is tough because it's so hard to keep it up and keep it fresh. Indy scene? Indy music or independent scene? I've always loved the underground scenes and always will. Indy music I'm not really into, don't really understand/ know much about... I like Blues, rock 'n roll, classical and old school punk for the most part." 

They are originally from Vegas and now perform in the Cincinnati area. Kelly shares, "it's easier the travel here and we get to go to many different cities and states; Detroit, Chicago, Indiana, Tennessee, California, Nevada, Alaska, Ohio, Kentucky, just to name a few!"

TIGER SEX will be out on the road, so be sure to catch a show! 


Click on these links below to find out more information:

TIGER SEX FACEBOOK

TIGER SEX INFO

TIGER SEX LIVE VIDEOS



And, as always, thanks for reading!