My friends,
First off, this past weekend in Stockton, CA was amazing as always. I am the board chairman and resident composer for a nonprofit called Stockton Soul. Stockton Soul was founded by my good friend and soul sister, Darcy Ford-James. She’s also one of my principal violinists for JoDavi projects. This weekend was our second annual holiday concert, except she wanted to start a new tradition.
This year, Stockton Soul hosted what she coined as The Summit on Black Music in the Orchestra. It was a two day conference geared toward music educators, and I was asked to be the keynote speaker. The topic I was given was Incorporating Black Musical Approaches in the Orchestra. The experience for me was especially special because not only did I get to share about my life growing up in church, but I was able to do it in my old hometown where some of the people in the audience were a big part of my church upbringing. Very full circle moment. The presentation went over very well, and I’ve been asked to give it, and variations of it in other schools for teachers in different parts of the country. I thank the Lord for opening doors, and I thank my soul sister for the continued friendship. Stockton Soul is such a necessary and crucial organization. If you find it in your heart, consider donating to it. The work my soul sister and her team does on a daily basis, both in music performance and music educafion is invaluable for the young musicians in Stockton.
At the concert itself, even though it’s a Motown holiday concert, I’m always given the opportunity to share my originals, which I had a blast doing. Here’s a clip.
I also have to give a shout out to my Sacramento family as well. Whenever I need to go to Stockton, I usually land in Sacramento, which isn’t far. I can’t explain how good it feels to know that all you have to do is send a text to your friends, and by the time you land, they have you taken care of. I do not take that lightly, and always make sure they know that the favor will gladly be returned should they make their way out east. Specifically, I’d like to thank my very good friend and de facto career manager, Jewel. Also, my dear, dear friends Natalie and Garrett. You all may know Natalie from my Zion album. She sang the song Yom Hashem and Time II with me. She’s not only an absolutely incredible artist, but a great friend.
My crew and I also found time to record a podcast episode talking about our Paris trip earlier this year. Probably the funniest podcast episode I’ve done to date, and I can’t wait for you to hear it. Shout out to my brother Aaron and Joseph for coming up on a decade of music together. Also, shout out to Zach for elevating our whole sound in Paris with his guitar. So much to be grateful for.
Now For the Concert Announcement
For those in Southern California, I want to let you know this as soon as possible, as tickets are already starting to go. I’m kicking off 2024 with a very special and intimate solo show at Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles on January 11th. I’ll be sharing brand new music and having what I know will be stimulating conversation with you. I am very much looking forward to it, and I would absolutely love to see you there.
You can get your tickets here.
The day after that, my father and I will be speaking and doing music at a historic synagogue in Los Angeles.
Which brings me to my point:
This tour will look different than any other tour or single concerts that I’ve ever done in the past. With all that has been going on, and all I’ve been writing about from this platform since the tragic events in Israel on October 7th, it’s caused me to make some more dramatic shifts as well as decisions about who I work with, and what I want my collaborations to look like, beyond simply the sound. I think it is liberating for me as an educator and advocate, as well as an artist.
So more than ever before, each show is very intentionally and carefully curated for you. In 2024, it starts in Los Angeles, CA, and so far, extends to:
Columbus, OH
Chicago, IL
Los Angeles, CA (again)
San Jose, CA
Sacramento, CA
Napa, CA
Toronto, Canada
And there’s a few more in the works, including what seems to be an annual full band/full orchestra show.
If I’m going to be near you, let me know! I’m also on a K-12 school speaking/workshop tour as well. If you’re a music teacher, I’d love to come and work with you and your students.
Especially on this platform, you all have been so supportive. It would be such a pleasure to be able to meet you in person.
Until then. 🙏🏿❤️
-JoDavi
This is awesome! It’s very rare that I see someone announce a concert date at a venue that is local. God-willing, I hope to attend the Jan 11th show!