Davina & The Vagabonds

Biography

Davina & The Vagabonds is a jazz-blues band founded in 2004 by frontwoman Davina Sowers in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Sowers, who grew up in Altoona, Pennsylvania, was exposed to a wide array of music through her family—her mother was a folk singer and her much-older stepfather introduced her to pre-war jazz and blues via his Edison phonograph. Despite a turbulent adolescence marked by homelessness and addiction, Sowers found her footing in Minneapolis, where she formed the band and began performing both covers and original compositions rooted in American roots music.[1][4]

The band’s music is a vibrant blend of blues, jazz, roots, Americana, and swing, characterized by Sowers’ powerful vocals and boogie-woogie piano, supported by a horn-driven ensemble. Their sound draws comparisons to early-20th-century jazz and blues but is refreshed by Sowers’ modern sensibility and stage presence. Albums like 'Black Cloud' (2011) and 'Sunshine' (2014) earned critical acclaim, with the latter reaching number 13 on the Billboard Blues Chart. The group is celebrated for their energetic live shows and has performed at major festivals across the US and Europe, including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the North Sea Jazz Festival.[1][2]

Davina & The Vagabonds have carved a unique niche in the contemporary blues and jazz scene, blending influences from Fats Domino to Led Zeppelin, and are known for their sharp-dressed professionalism and dynamic performances. Their legacy is one of resilience, musical innovation, and a commitment to keeping the spirit of American roots music alive for new generations.[1][2][3]

Fun Facts

• Davina Sowers was adopted by her stepfather, who was in his 80s when she was a child; he passed away when she was 13, but his influence shaped her musical foundation.[4]
• The band’s single 'I Would Rather Drink Muddy Water' peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Blues Digital Songs chart.[1]
• Davina & The Vagabonds have performed at renowned festivals worldwide, including the North Sea Jazz Festival and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.[2]
• Sowers is a classically trained pianist who ran away from home as a teenager, overcame addiction, and rebuilt her life through music in Minneapolis.[1][4]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Davina Sowers' stepfather - Introduced her to pre-war jazz and blues through his Edison phonograph; exposed her to artists like The Ink Spots, Sydney Bechet, Louis Armstrong, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. (N/A (early musical exposure)) [Childhood (1980s–1990s)]

Key Collaborators

• Zee (Zack) Lozier - Trumpet player and long-time band member, contributing to the band’s signature horn sound. (All major albums and live performances) [2004–present]
• Connor McRae Hammergren - Drummer and core band member, integral to the group’s rhythm section. (All major albums and live performances) [2004–present]
• Steve Rogness - Trombone player, featured in various lineups and recordings. (Live @ the Times, other performances) [2009–present]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging Twin Cities jazz and blues musicians - Inspired by the band’s blend of classic and modern styles, as well as Sowers’ resilience and originality. (Local performances, mentorship through example) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Sunshine (Sunshine)
2. Bone Collection (Sugar Drops)
3. I'd Rather Go Blind (Nicollet and Tenth)
4. Ho Hum (Shoot For The Moon)
5. Lipstick and Chrome (Black Cloud)
6. Shake That Thing (Nicollet and Tenth)
7. Knock Me a Kiss (Nicollet and Tenth)
8. I Try to Be Good (Sunshine)
9. Devil Horns (Sugar Drops)
10. Red Shoes (Sunshine)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia