Tenth anniversary program features Billy Davis and Flock of Funk
On Saturday, October 3 Kirkwood Community College will mark a full decade of blues in autumn. The tenth annual Blues Concert is set for Ballantyne Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Guest artists for the evening are the Flock of Funk group featuring long-time reed player and vocalist Billy Davis.
In addition to Davis, Flock of Funk includes Denny Ketelsen, keyboards; guitarist Dennis McMurrin; bassist Tim Razor; and drummer Bruce Chadima. The guest performers will appear with the Kirkwood Jazz Ensemble and CR Jazz Big Band. The evening’s music is directed by Kirkwood Instrumental Music Director Dr. Timothy Feldkamp.
Saxophonist/vocalist Billy Davis has been a mainstay performer in eastern Iowa for more than two decades. Known for his strong stage presence and fluid horn stylings, Davis was part of some of the best-remembered musical groups in the Cedar Rapids area, including Akasha, Madness and the influential trio Daugherty, Davis & McPartland.
Billy Davis has performed with top national jazz performers including Randy Brecker, Ernie Watts, Eddie Daniels and Bob Mintzer. Davis and fellow musicians have also opened concerts for such famed entertainers as Hall & Oates, Eric Clapton, Chicago and The Beach Boys.
Tickets for the October 3 Blues Concert at Kirkwood are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and students with current ID. Kirkwood students, faculty and staff are admitted free of charge. Tickets are available from Kirkwood Student Life, (319) 398-5578.