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Native America's Diva Will Sing At Davidson, Her Alma Mater
Jana Sampson '96 in concert
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9/21/2002
Contact: Bill Giduz 704/894-2244 or bigiduz@davidson.edu
Jana Sampson ' 96, the premiere Native American pop-rock diva, returns for the first time since graduation to her alma mater, Davidson College, on Saturday evening, September 28, to present a public concert.
Her appearance is part of the college's year-long Alumni Music Series, and begins at 8 p.m. in Duke Family Performance Hall. There is no admission charge, but reservations are recommended. Members of the public can call the Davidson College ticket office in the Knobloch Campus Center at 704-894-2135 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays for reservations, or drop by the ticket office during those hours to pick up tickets in person.
Jana will be presenting a new personality on the campus where she graduated in 1996. Her classmates and professors remember her primarily as a quiet, determined psychology major, rather than a high-energy stage performer. She did sing the National Anthem at some athletic contests, and was a cheerleader and dance ensemble member for three years, but Jana was determined to earn her Davidson degree before launching her musical career. "I began singing at age 18, but Davidson was academically very challenging, and wasn't about to give up that degree before I finished!" she explained.
Jana Sampson '96 and her modern dancers in concert.
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Jana was born into the North Carolina Lumbee tribe in Pembroke, grew up in Charlotte, and came to Davidson after graduating from Providence High School. She currently lives in New York, but travels around the country presenting pop concerts and making educational presentations about Native American music. She makes numerous appearances to Native American audiences, hoping to inspire and serve as a role model for youth.
She received the "Song of the Year" award for her version of "Stairway to Heaven" at the Native American Music Awards earlier this month in Minneapolis. At the 2001 NAMMY ceremony she was dubbed "Best Pop Artist" of the year. She holds the distinction as the first Native American artist ever to debut with a Billboard "Single of the Week." She has produced several singles, and her first album is scheduled for release next year.
The cover of a recent Native People magazine featured Jana Sampson '96
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She refers to her musical style as "Urban Indian," indicating influences from traditional Native music, modern pop, dance, and gospel. She said, "Being an urban Indian is to walk in both worlds but not compromise my cultural identity. I'm proud that I can maintain my traditional customs while living in today's world."
She demonstrates her cultural heritage in her musical persona and style of dress. Her flair for fashion has been featured in publications including In Style magazine, Gotham magazine, Glamour magazine, and The New York Times. She was featured on the cover of the May/June issue of Native People magazine. She also hosts a weekly talk and dance music radio show called "Beauty and the Bee" on Sunday nights in New York City which is the highest-rated show in its 9-11 p.m. time slot. She is also appearing in two movies that will will be released next year.
Davidson is a highly selective independent liberal arts college for 1,600 students. Since its establishment in 1837, the college has graduated 23 Rhodes Scholars and is consistently ranked in the top ten liberal arts colleges in the country by U.S. News and World Report magazine. Davidson is engaged in "Let Learning Be Cherished," a $250 million campaign in support of student financial assistance, academic resources, and community life.
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