The Mondavi Center staff is a diverse team with many interests, but all of us share a passion for the performing arts. As we look forward to the 2019-20 season, we'll be posting videos featuring staff members talking about the three shows they are most looking forward to seeing next season.
Below, Georgia Agerton, Marketing Content Manager, shares her top three picks and why she chose them.
As a recent addition to the Mondavi Center staff as well as to California, I have been astonished and thrilled by the caliber of artists that come to our beautiful venue. Before moving to Davis, I lived in Houston and New Orleans, and I consider both to be my hometowns. These places of origin have helped to inform my staff picks for the coming season. I am also a musician, so I am drawn to performances where masterful musicianship is front and center.
My time in New Orleans gave me a deep appreciation for gospel music. Whether you consider yourself to be a religious person or not, anyone who has ever attended Jazz Fest and visited the gospel tent has had a spiritual experience. I love gospel music because the powerful harmonies that express dynamic emotions, the craft of storytelling, and the astounding musicianship of the performers demand my reverence. Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar combine traditional gospel with original compositions and Broadway classics, and I just know it’s going to be a concert that will elevate my soul.
My time in Houston influenced my second and third picks. The Spanish language has a very strong presence in Houston, as do people from Latin America. Thanks to this, I am a student of the Spanish language and a lover of Latin music. During the summer of 2005, I lived in New York briefly and had the chance to work a concert where Lila Downs was performing. I was captivated by her music and her story-telling. I’m so looking forward to seeing her perform again and learning more about Día de los Muertos traditions from her Día de los Muertos: Al Chile performance.
Likewise, I am over-the-moon excited to hear Alfredo Rodríguez & Pedrito Martinez perform. I dare anyone in attendance at this concert to try to keep your feet from tapping – it will be near impossible! Check out this video and be astonished by their rhythmic brilliance. These two performers are both incredible musicians on their own; what a treat it will be to get to witness them perform together.