UC Santa Barbara Arts and Lectures presents: Mavis Staples and The War and Treaty
“If we had the ability to assess who is the most beloved figure in music – not in overall numbers, but sheer adoration, per capita and per peer – it likely wouldn’t be Taylor or Beyoncé but Mavis Staples, who has been taking us there since the late ’60s.” Variety
“The colossally talented pair continue their commando, no-limits journey to the top of the music world.” Associated Press on The War and Treaty
A chart-topping soul/gospel/R&B pioneer, civil rights icon, National Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient and Kennedy Center honoree, Mavis Staples delivers roof-raising performances with youthful vigor and commanding maturity. Called “one of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace” by NPR, she marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration and sang in Barack Obama’s White House. Combining traditional folk, country, R&B and spirituals into a dynamic blend that’s all their own, The War and Treaty (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter) were the first Black artists ever nominated for Duo of the Year by the Country Music Association. Taking the stage separately, Staples and The War and Treaty promise an unforgettable evening of deep soul and heart-wrenching gospel passion.
Meet the Artist: Mavis Staples
Meet the Artists: The War and Treaty