The Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra rehearsin’ away.

The Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra (CVJO) kicks off its 2012-2013 season with a big performance at the State Theatre with special guest Davina and the Vagabonds. The Chippewa Valley Jazz Orrchestra has been providing the Chippewa Valley with quality big band jazz entertainment for the last two years. They have performed on a variety of stages, including the Heyde Center for the Arts, the Mabel Tainter, and at V1’s Sounds like Summer Concert Series. Directed by North High School Jazz Band Director Bruce Hering, CVJO is comprised of local full-time musical performers, music educators, and community members who just love to play. Their main goal is to entertain, and educate the community about jazz music and its rich history. Davina and the Vagabonds is a Minneapolis-based, five piece jazz band. They average over 300 performances a year and have performed all over the Midwest as well as some on the East Coast. Davina is Davina Sowers, a singer, songwriter, and classically trained pianist. The Vagabonds are Michael Carvale (vocals/upright bass), Alec Tackmann (vocals/drums), Dan Eikmeier (vocals/trumpet), and Ben Link (vocals/trombone). This high-energy group has won many jazz awards. The won the Road to Memphis MN and King of Beale Street competitions in 2009 and was an International Songwriting finalist in 2010 for their song “St. Michael vs. the Devil”. They have also shared the stage with many well-known musicians including Little Feat, Aaron Neville, and Los Lonely Boys. For excellent blues and jazz entertainment from both groups, this show is definitely a must-see for all fans in the Chippewa Valley.