Hailed by NPR as “one of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace,” Mavis Staples is the kind of once-in-a-generation artist whose impact on music and culture would be difficult to overstate. She’s a Blues and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, a GRAMMY award winner, a chart-topping soul/gospel/R&B pioneer, and a Kennedy Center honoree. A powerful vocalist known for her rich, husky voice that conveys both resilience and tenderness, Staples has performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration and sung in the White House for Barack Obama. She is also a committed civil rights activist, having marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A Mavis Staples performance is one you do not want to miss, as her rich voice commands attention with every note.
Stephanie Anne Johnson, Opening Act
Stephanie Anne Johnson (they/them) is an Americana songwriter and performer from the Pacific Northwest, recognized for their strong, soulful vocals and a genre-blending style that incorporates folk, blues, gospel, and roots influences.
Gaining national recognition after impressing judges on NBC’s The Voice, Stephanie has since built a reputation as a compelling live performer and skilled songwriter. Over the years, they have toured extensively and shared stages with a wide range of acclaimed artists, including The Indigo Girls, Macy Gray, Mavis Staples, Taj Mahal, Robert Cray, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Steve Earle, Cedric Burnside and Mason Jennings.
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Learn more at stephanieannejohnsonmusic.com