UWA presents Lamont Landers Band Saturday
LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama has announced the slate of performers for the spring 2016 season of “Second Saturdays on the Square,” with three nationally-renowned performers bringing their style of music to downtown Livingston.
Second Saturday concerts will have a new home this season in the courtyard behind Gilbert Hall on campus. The events are are open to UWA students as well as the Livingston community. There is no admission to the events.
“We had a good opening season last fall for Second Saturday, and now we have some really good entertainment lined up for the spring,” explained Student Activities Director Jason Gardner. “We’re really proud to offer this series to students so they can stay on campus and have a great time, and it’s entertainment that our entire community can enjoy.”
On Feb. 13, UWA will welcome the Lamont Landers Band. The band is a regional favorite, performing across the southeast with their blend of soul, funk, and R&B. Landers is a native of Decatur, Ala., and leads the four-man group.
Landers has played guitar since he was 13 years old, but he was discovered when his sister posted a candid video posted a video of him singing the Ray Charles classic “Hit the Road Jack,” which got 400,000 hits overnight. Soon after, a video of him performing “Let’s Get it On” wen viral with over half a million hits in short time.
Backed by keyboardist Kevin Canada, drummer Bowen Robertson, and bassist Curtis Comack, Landers began recording his first studio album last year, and it’s expected to be released this spring.
On March 12, Jessica Meuse, who made her national debut in season 13 of American Idol, will take the stage. Meuse, who finished the season in the top three along with winner Caleb Johnson and runner-up Jena Irene. Meuse toured the U.S. and Canada with the top 10 finalists in a 40-date summer concert tour.
The pride of Slapout, Ala., Meuse calls her style a “blend of southern rock with alternative rock and roll,” and she’s also been described as “rock, infused with country and metal.”
On Jan. 1 of this year, Meuse released her second independent single, “Rio Grande,” which is available, and has plans to release an EP soon.
The season wraps up on April 9 with Tana Matz, a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist from Cincinnati, Ohio. Matz has spent the past few years developing her style and building a repertoire of original music. She has opened for several country superstars, including Kellie Pickler, Kip Mooore, Cole Swindell, Brett Eldredge, John Rich, Dustin Lynch, and Joe Nichols.
Matz brings to the stage a contemporary country sound, with her power ranging from ballads of heartbreak to southern girl anthems.
She cites Britney Spears as an early influence, but Matz says her music reflects a style more closely related to that of Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Swift.
Inside Gilbert Hall, Grille Works will be open during the event to serve snacks and drinks. Campus visitor parking is available in the Caf parking lot near Gilbert Hall. Blankets or lawn chairs are encouraged.