Several years ago, Maggie Davis wouldn’t have even considered singing her original compositions in front of a crowd. Yet, when she takes the stage as one of the feature acts at the fifth annual Revelstoke Coffee House Hootenanny Extravaganza, that’s exactly what she’ll be doing.
“I’m working on a solo album right now, so I’m just focusing on a lot of song writing and trying to figure out that whole aspect of my music,” said Davis.
Davis has been a fixture on the Revelstoke music scene for a number of years and is best known for her beautiful voice. She moved away for a few years, but returned to the community last year and continues to perform around town.
She performs both solo and has been involved with a number of musical groups in the past. “I love being in bands,” she said. “They’re really fun and you can bounce off of each other’s energy, and that’s really what I love.”
A self-proclaimed folk music harmony junkie, Davis admits she usually loves to bring other musical friends on stage with her.
“I think for me, the biggest challenge is doing it alone. So I’m going to force myself to play some of my originals,” she said. “I’m petrified, but I am also very excited.”
Davis, who grew up in Ontario, says her love of folk harmony comes from her mom. Both of her parents were in a band and still play music, and her sisters are also musical.
“They’re definitely big influences for sure,” she said. “My mom and I bought my first guitar together, and my dad taught me all the chords that he knew. And then I was self-taught.
“If I was smart I would have gone to lessons like I promised my mother I would, but I never did,” she continued. “I think I’d be a lot better if I did, but it is cool to make your own style and find your own way.”
Davis will be front and centre as one of two feature acts at the upcoming Hootenanny Extravaganza on Dec. 30.
She described the Hootenanny as a glorified coffee house. In fact, it is a fundraiser for the Revelstoke Coffee House which takes place monthly at the United Church. The Hootenanny moves the acoustic showcase to the big stage of the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre and helps raise money so the Coffee House can afford to attract headliners for its monthly shows.
Besides the bigger venue, the Hootenanny has one major difference from the regular showcases. Unlike the regular Coffee House, there is no sign up sheet and the acts are handpicked by organizer Denis Severino. This year, Davis is one of the featured headliners, along with old-timey Salmon Arm trio Seal Skull Hammer.
“They’re an awesome old-time band, they’re a fantastic three-piece,” said Davis.
Just like the regular coffee house, the Hootenanny is volunteer-based, with people bringing goodies, tea and coffee for the crowd to enjoy. It’s also an all-ages, kid-friendly event.
“It’s a fundraiser. It helps keep the Coffee House running,” said David. “The cool thing about it being an all ages thing versus an open mic where it’s at a bar, is not only can kids come and listen, but kids can come and perform.
“It’s great because it adds that whole wide demographic. There’s a piano and some people in, and they’ll play the piano. We have violinists, we have bag pipers, anything.”
The fifth annual Revelstoke Coffeehouse Hootenanny Extravaganza takes place at the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre on Friday, Dec. 30, at 7:30 p.m Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased at Valhalla Pure.
