This show is a part of the Rivanna Roots Concert Series, presented by The Front Porch and Rivanna River Company. Doors open at 5 pm and music is from 6-9 pm. This is an outdoor show and all concerts are rain or shine. Kids 12 and under are FREE. For more information about what to bring, parking, and policies, check out our FAQS! 

Corey Harris Band

Corey Harris is a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and band leader who has carved out his own niche in blues. A powerful singer and accomplished guitarist, he has appeared at venues throughout North America, Europe, Brazil, The Caribbean, East and West Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. He began his career as a New Orleans street singer, travelling throughout the southern U.S. In his early twenties he lived in Cameroon, West Africa for a year, which had a profound effect on his later work. He has recorded many old songs of the blues tradition while also creating an original vision of the blues by adding influences from reggae, soul, rock and West African music. His 1995 recording, Between Midnight and Day, is a tribute to the tradition of acoustic blues. Subsequent recordings, such as Greens From the Garden (1999), Mississippi to Mali (2003), and Daily Bread (2005) show Harris’ maturation from interpreter to songwriter. Some of his imaginative compositions are marked by a deliberate eclecticism; other works stay true to the traditional blues formula of compelling vocals and down-home guitar. With one foot in tradition and the other in contemporary experimentation, Harris is a truly unique voice in contemporary music. He has performed, recorded, and toured with many of the top names in music such as BB King, Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy, R.L.Burnside, Ali Farka Toure, Dave Matthews Band, Tracy Chapman, Olu Dara, Wilco, and others. His additional recordings include Fish Ain’t Bitin’ (1996), Vu-Du Menz (with Henry Butler, 2000), Downhome Sophisticate (2002), Zion Crossroads (2007), blu black (2010), Fulton blues (2013), Live at New Orleans Jazz Fest (2016), Free Waterway (2018), Louisa County Blues (2019).INSURRECTION BLUES, Harris’ 20th album overall and first for M.C. Records, continues a blues journey that began with his debut album Between Midnight and Day in 1995. The songs are full of topical relevance, yet steeped in tradition and informed by his musical explorations over the decades. Recorded in Italy under shutdown conditions, the album returns to the solo acoustic format that’s been his base since his early days as a street singer in New Orleans. But you can also hear between the lines traces of the different styles he’s absorbed, including the roots music he heard during a year’s stay in West Africa–fusing that with Delta blues on 2003’s Mississippi to Mali. His interest in the Rastafarian faith led to a reggae-inspired album, 2007’s Zion Crossroads, and later band albums like 2009’s blu.black even incorporated hip-hop. Through it all, he returned to cornerstone blues pieces, while gradually evolving from an interpreter to a songwriter.

Corey's band is:

Corey Harris (Guitar/ Lead Vocals), Chris Peanut Whitley (Piano/Organ/Back Vocs), Gordon Saxman Jones (Tenor Sax), Paul Dudleyn (Drums)Teresa Jones (Bass).

Jen Tal Duo

Jen and Jacob are a power duo that have completed 4 full band albums, 3 cross country tours, and continue to create with their full band in Charlottesville, Va. They are a fusion of soul, funk, and americana. Jen is an award winning vocalist. Jacob is an award winning drumline instructor. They perform memorable and danceable originals. They breathe life into your favorite tunes drawing inspiration from Bill Withers, Sade, Doja Cat, and Lauryn Hill to name a few. 

*The Rivanna Roots concert series would not be possible without the support of our premier season sponsor Flow Automotive of Charlottesville, and our supporting sponsors Sun Tribe, Martin Horn, and Mountaintop Montessori. A special thank you to our exclusive beverage sponsors Potter’s Craft Cider, Random Row, and Blenheim Vineyards. Our artist hospitality sponsor is Hogwaller Brewing, and 106.1 The Corner is our media sponsor. We also thank Virginia is for Lovers for their continuous support of all that we do at The Front Porch!