Como Mamas to Perform at University of Saint Joseph

The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) will host a gospel performance by the Como Mamas on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hoffman Auditorium on USJ's West Hartford campus at 1678 Asylum Ave.

The Como Mamas are a trio from the outskirts of Como, Miss. "Discovered" by a documentarian in 2005, Ester Mae Wilbourn and her cousins, Della Daniels and Angelia Taylor, actually had been singing with each other their entire lives. The Como Mamas recorded the critically-acclaimed album "Get an Understanding" in 2008 and released "Move Upstairs" in 2017, both for Daptone Records. Having just returned to the States after their debut European tour, their soulful and powerful voices will move audiences.

Even before their professional debut, the group's riveting melodies and rhythms resounded for over 50 years, stemming from the church choir performances and sounds of their grandfather's guitar that shaped their love for music. Not afraid to deviate from the gospel norm, the group also takes inspiration from blues, soul, and R&B artists, such as Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, B.B. King, and Elvis Presley.

The pairing of their distinct individual vocals and the messages of perseverance in their songs creates a sonic tribute to spirituality, identity, and collective joy regardless of one's faith. Wilbourn's rasp, Daniels' vocal energy, and Taylor's smooth tone weave together flawlessly to sing in praise and gratitude. Equally capable of shining as acapella vocalists and with instrumental accompaniment, the Como Mamas have a sound that first echoed off Mississippi church walls and continues to echo in the hearts of their listeners.

Tickets are $27 for adults and $12 for students and children. Please call the Frances Driscoll Box Office for a senior discount. Purchase tickets online at tickets.usj.edu or by calling the box office at 860.231.5555.