JULY 2022 Concert #2 - Samantha Rise and Matt Davis
• July 9th • Saturday • In the Garden • Gates 6pm • Music 6:45pm & 7:45pm •
2319 Emerald St • Dauphin/York El Train One Block Away • 3 Blocks From Frankford Ave
Matt Davis is a guitarist, composer and educator based in the Philadelphia area. Matt's original work has been hailed as “Inspired” by Downbeat magazine, “incredible” by the Philadelphia Daily News, and “eloquent” by Jazztimes Magazine. Matt is a recipient of numerous awards and honors including grants from ASCAP, the American Composers Forum, Chamber Music America, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, and The National Parks Service. Matt currently serves as Adjunct Associate Professor of Jazz Guitar Performance and Chair of the Guitar Department at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. In addition to having studied under the notable jazz educator Dennis Sandole, Matt earned his bachelor's degree in jazz guitar from Temple University in Philadelphia, and his Masters degree from the Manhattan School of Music. He has performed all over the US as well as in China, India, South Korea, Europe and Mexico. Additionally, Matt is a published author, having had his writings on jazz music published in magazines such as Downbeat and Jazziz. He lives in NJ with his wife and two young, curious, energetic and hysterical sons.
The Sway of Rivers is Matt's new original project for several guitars, two vocalists and percussion. This event will be the first ever public performance of this ensemble.
Samantha Rise (they/them) is a black, gender-expansive performer and art activist, based in Philadelphia. Samantha’s passion for music and community building are the heart of their work; a student of jazz, improvisation, social justice movements and the music that drives them, Samantha encourages a unique vulnerability with their audiences, reminding us all that music is our birthright, and a technology of healing, transformative justice and self-determination.
An award-winning songcatcher, Rise's music is sensual and staggering in its accounts of what it means to allow ourselves to be known; giving voice to heartbreak, hope and all the spaces between, wherever words fail. Through their music, Samantha Rise invites us to listen for our own music, and to sing in the world we know is possible.
Rise's debut release, Brighter Days, arrived in four installments over the solstice and equinox in 2019. Their music is available on Apple Music, Spotify,BandCamp and Soundcloud.
