NOTE: “Today” and “tonight” refer to Friday, April 22.
PORT ANGELES — Famed blues and American roots singer Janiva Magness will bring her sultry sound to Studio Bob tonight and Saturday.
“We’re fortunate and delighted to have her on two weekend eves,” said Mark Cole of Upstage productions, the company producing the show.
“In 2004, Janiva’s agent mailed Upstage a promotional CD, ‘Bury Him at the Crossroads.’ I felt then — and feel now — it is one of the finest recordings ever made.”
Soon after, “a show was arranged,” Cole continued.
“The music that evening was as great as I’d heard on the CD, but Janiva’s presence and performance just took the evening over the top.
“From my toes to my heart to my head, it’s amazing how great a few hours can make you feel.”
Magness, 59, has received 25 award nominations in the past eight years from the Blues Foundation, a Memphis, Tenn.,-based organization whose mission is to preserve blues heritage, celebrate blues recording and performance, expand worldwide awareness of the blues and ensure the future of this uniquely American art form.
In 2015, Magness earned the Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year award from American Blues Scene Magazine. She earned the same award in 2012, along with the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year award.
Hosting such a renowned vocalist is “pretty amazing for an intimate venue of Studio Bob’s size,” said Bob Stokes, owner of Studio Bob. “We know she will not only entertain Port Angeles but bring folks from afar.”
On her current tour, Magness celebrates the April release of her 11th album, “Love Wins Again.”
The album’s title represents the concept of love as a physical, psychic and spiritual force that has the strength to conquer negativity, sadness and personal demons, Magness said. “Love is a bigger power than hate and darkness,” she said.
“It’s easy to forget that when we’re struggling or when the world often seems frightening and out of control. But love can transcend barriers between people and cultures, and bring us closer in ways we might not have imagined. Love can also be frightening. It requires opening yourself up and taking risks, but in the end, love will always win.”
Magness’ success is rooted in her own turbulent youth, according to her biography.
Having lost both parents to suicide as a young girl, she traversed through 12 foster homes and gave up a child for adoption at the age of 17, which left her in a state of deepest despair, she said.
Ultimately, inspired by the encouragement of her final foster mother and a galvanizing performance by the legendary bluesman Otis Rush, she found stability and salvation in music.
Paying it forward, Magness currently is the spokesperson for Casey Family Programs and an ambassador for Foster Care Alumni of America, promoting National Foster Care Month.
Magness is set to perform at 8 tonight and Saturday night at Studio Bob, 1181/2 E. Front St.
Tickets are $25 each, and available online at brownpapertickets.com or at Harbor Arts, 110 E. Railroad Ave.
For more information, call 360-385-2216.
