Shari Davis
Shari Davis is a living legend on the Madison Blues scene. Known for her fiery presence as lead vocalist for Shari Davis & the Hoochy Koochy Band, Ms Davis has established herself as a staple in Madison, serving on the Madison Blues Society Board for nearly 20 years.
During that time (as these pages testify), Shari along with like minded souls, created a hub for learning and enjoying the blues. Through revitalizing “Madison Blues” in 2004, she and her cohorts built what we have today, Madison Blues Society, a collection of individuals who enjoy the sound, spirit and all that encompasses our nation’s foundational music genre.
Since its inception, MBS has garnered support for and appreciation of live blues events. Shari’s quick mind and enthusiasm helped “keep blues alive” locally with MBS-hosted Annual Blues Picnics, Wild Women of the Blues Events, Blues Calendars, and the Fall Blues Festival. These big wins are just a drop in the bucket. Today, MBS routinely raises funds through live music to donate to community projects, honor blues legends, purchasing instruments for eager young musicians, and to acquire blues music material for Madison Public Library. Today, Shari continues to share insights at monthly meetings, set agendas, and quite often is the primary volunteer at the MBS booth during festivals and other community events.
The most enjoyable part of my involvement with MBS has been the collaboration and cooperation of the many creative and dedicated people who enjoy generating fun and good times for others who also love Blues music.
Shari Davis
Memories of AM Radio
Shari’s interest in music began when as a precocious child she tuned into the magic of the blues on AM radio, listening & learning in quiet of night. She explains, “In the town where I grew up, there was music, but not much Blues. My interest in the Blues started as a kid with my ear pressed to a radio in the wee hours (when I was assumed to be sleeping). It was a time when the stations from down south could be pulled in on Northern Illinois AM radio. Songwriting credits, liner notes on albums, and reviews in Sing Out! magazine gave me clues on artists and music to look for at Record Mart as I moved into my teens.
She continues, “While studying art in Milwaukee, I had my first opportunity to see and hear Blues performed live (Big Joe Turner, solo) at a small coffee house, the Avant Garde, and later James Cotton and his band at Shank Hall. Years later, in Madison (2003), I joined the Madison Blues Society serving on the MBS Board of Directors off and on for 17 years (Vice President, Member At Large, Secretary, and President) .”
Over the years I have participated on several committees and contributed artwork to various projects. The most enjoyable part of my involvement with MBS has been the collaboration and cooperation of the many creative and dedicated people who enjoy generating fun and good times for others who also love Blues music.
