‘The Voice’ finalist Josh Davis to perform at WSCC.

‘The Voice’ finalist Josh Davis to perform at WSCC.

VICTORY TOWNSHIP – The West Shore Community College Performing Arts Series kicks off its 2019-2020 season with two concerts by Josh Davis, Traverse City native and finalist of the hit NBC TV series “The Voice,” on Sept. 19 and 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the college’s Center Stage Theater. 

A tried and true Michigan musician, Davis, released “The Way Back Home” in Sept. 2017. Produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, it is Davis’ latest full-length studio album and first since his 2015 appearances as a top three finalist on season eight of the “The Voice.”  

The 11 original Americana songs featured in the album reflect an honest, hardworking family man scribing scenes of the cycle of life through dark, broken, hopeful, and triumphant times. 

His upbringing, residing in Detroit while spending summers on the southern tip of Lake Superior in Marquette, brings into view the backdrop of Davis’ latest works. “The Way Back Home” follows a series of singular recordings by the prolific songwriter who has shared the stage with a “Who’s Who” of American folk music icons such as Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Greg Brown, and Abigail Washburn.

“Our new Performing Arts Series season is off to an exciting start” said Ted Malt, professor of music studies and director of performing arts at the college. 

“Josh Davis is a national touring artist producing original music for all ages. As a finalist on ‘The Voice,’ Josh’s music has claimed national recognition and we are all extremely excited to have him on the campus and in our schools throughout his two-day visit. Josh will be performing two, 45 minute sets.  The first set as a soloist and the second set with his entire band.”    

Already a heavily touring/recording artist with his previous band Steppin’ In It, who have released five albums, and as a solo act with five albums under his name, getting a call from “The Voice” was completely out of the blue for Davis. 

Unfamiliar with the show, he initially rejected the inquiry but the producers were persistent. After being convinced by his wife and allowed to skip the auditions, Davis signed up for an incredible six months in the national TV spotlight. 

He went on to sing high profile duets with Sheryl Crow (Live Finale: “Give It to Me”) and Adam Levine (Live Finale: “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shows”), and he helped break the mold of original material being showcased on “The Voice.” Davis was the first artist to sing an original on the show, which spawned the later segment, “This Week of Original Songs.” 

For more information and to purchase general admission tickets, go to the college’s website at www.westshore.edu/performingarts  or mynorthtickets.com 

Customers can also call 231-843-5507, or stop by the box office located in Schoenherr Campus Center. Visa, Master Card, Discover credit cards are accepted.