DCA Presents Second Annual Blues, Roots, and Hoots Festival October 24-27

Festival Will Feature “Some Enchanted Evening,” Sister Rosetta Tharpe Tribute, and Madeleine Peyroux

Fish Creek, Wis. (October 11, 2024) – On October 24, 26, and 27, Door Community Auditorium (DCA) will present its second annual Blues, Roots, and Hoots Festival. The festival will include “Some Enchanted Evening,” a jazz-inspired performance spanning multiple musical genres and eras (October 24); a revival of 2023’s beloved “Door County & Memphis Voices: Sister Rosetta Tharpe & Beyond” (October 26); and an evening with jazz/folk chanteuse Madeleine Peyroux (October 27).

“Some Enchanted Evening” (Thursday, October 24, 7 p.m.)

The festival will begin October 24 with “Some Enchanted Evening.” Led by Emmy-nominated crooner Benny Benack III and singer and social media sensation Stella Katherine Cole, “Some Enchanted Evening” brings audiences on a jazz-inspired journey through Broadway’s greatest hits from the Golden Age of yesterday to the freshest hits of today. From Hammerstein to “Hamilton” and everything in between, this multi-disciplinary musical mashup also showcases Jabu Graybeal, a one-of-a-kind talent and tap-dancing star.

“A trumpeter par excellence, dashing vocalist, and sophisticated writer and arranger, Benny Benack III is truly the genuine article,” raved All About Jazz.

“Some Enchanted Evening” will also present a daytime matinee for Door County students; interested parties should contact DCA for specifics.

Door County & Memphis Voices: Sister Rosetta Tharpe & Beyond (Saturday, October 26, 7 p.m.)

Back by popular demand, this show will feature a jaw-dropping lineup of blues musicians from Memphis, Tennessee, and Door County, Wisconsin, performing a tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe—widely considered the godmother of rock and roll—and to the world of blues as a whole. Renowned Memphis blues musicians Susan Marshall and Reba Russell will join Chicago/Door County actor/vocalist Lachrisa Grandberry and Sturgeon Bay’s own Cathy Grier to headline the show, playing the songs of legendary rock-gospel guitarist and singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe as well as their own original compositions. Marshall, Russell, and Grier will be joined by John Lewis, Solomon Lindenberg, Eric Lewis, and Paul Taylor for this high-energy pairing of two musical epicenters.

Rolling Stone wrote, “a queer black woman from Arkansas who shredded on electric guitar, belted praises both to God and secular pleasures, and broke the color line touring with white singers, [Sister Rosetta Tharpe] was gospel’s first superstar, and she most assuredly rocked.”

Madeleine Peyroux (Sunday, October 27, 7 p.m.)

Much like songbird Edith Piaf, Madeleine Peyroux spent her teenage years busking the busy streets of Paris. Like the “little sparrow,” Peyroux befriended the city’s street musicians and made its Latin quarter her first performing stage. Her debut album Dreamland cemented her as a music talent with staying power; indeed, today Peyroux continues to challenge the confines of jazz, venturing into the fertile fields of contemporary music with unflagging curiosity. Playing dates to sold-out crowds worldwide, this unstoppable, genre-defying virtuoso continues her musical exploration with her new album Let’s Walk.

The New York Times wrote of Peyroux, “Her timeless interpretation floats into the ether like a wisp of milkweed.”

“Some Enchanted Evening” is made possible by major sponsor Door County Medical Center; supporting sponsors Cordon Family Foundation and Parkwood Lodge; and Passport Program sponsors Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik (presenting), The Dörr Hotel, Main Street Market, Peninsula Pulse, Matt and Karla Sagorac, Wild Tomato, Wisconsin Public Radio (major), and Willow and Chris Alexander, Carrington, Grasse’s Grill, The Red Putter, Sister Bay Suds, and Wood Rabbit Acupuncture (partners).

The Sister Rosetta Tharpe tribute is made possible by major sponsors Beth Healy and Mike Fordney.

Madeleine Peyroux’s performance is made possible by major sponsors The Dörr Hotel and Wisconsin Public Radio; as well as supporting sponsors Steve and Sarah Abts and Main Street Market.

All shows begin at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $20-75. Advance tickets are recommended and can be made through the DCA box office, located at 3926 Highway 42 in Fish Creek. The box office is open Monday-Friday, 12-5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in person, on the phone at (920) 868-2728, or online at www.dcauditorium.org.