TONIGHT | Mavis Staples with special guest fo/mo/deep

UPDATE (8/22 6:00 p.m.): The skies over downtown Columbus are clearing and conditions look favorable for tonight’s performance. Unfortunately, we are not able to reschedule performances canceled due to weather, so we will do our best to make it happen. Check back for updates.

With music running through her veins since day one, Mavis Staples was born straight into her family’s musical career in the heart and soul of Chicago’s music scene. Losing her mother at an early age, Staples and her three siblings were raised primarily by their father who spent the majority of his downtime picking the blues away on a guitar in their home. Realizing the goldmine of talent that he had in his family, Staples’s father formed The Staples Singers with his children—while she was just 8 years old. Performing for their family and friends in their local Chicago church, countless standing ovations scored Staples the lead singer role in the group and ultimately a record deal with Vee-Jay Records.

With success ultimately blossoming for Staples and her family in the 1960s and early 1970s, the impact their music would have on the Civil Rights Movement became clear. Showcasing her talents for figures such as Reverend Martin Luther King Jr, various presidents and members of The Beatles, while dating Bob Dylan throughout the 60s, it is no surprise that she has found a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, VH1’s 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll and the Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Proving to be beyond her past, this GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award winner has rekindled her musical flame into a successful late solo career including multiple award nominations and a victory of the GRAMMY® for Best Americana Album in 2011.

The evening will open with fo/mo/deep, an eclectic groove oriented funky jazz collective. Seasoned professionals in defying the musical ordinary of 70s jazz, soul and funk, fo/mo/deep brings an unpredictable energy that is fun for all ages to listen and dance to. One of our most anticipated concerts of our 2014 Rhythm on the River season, we are proud and excited to invite Columbus to spend the night with musical legend, Mavis Staples, in Bicentennial Park. Staples’s three piece band and trio of back-up vocalists is sure to get you on your feet and moving to their sounds!

EVENING SCHEDULE:
6:30 p.m. – Food and beverage sales begin
7:30 p.m. – Live Music Begins

ARTIST WEBSITES:
http://mavisstaples.com/
http://fomodeep.com/