Grammy-nominated supergroup to perform in Creston

Southwestern Community College’s School for Music Vocations is hosting its annual vocal festival for the first time in three years and the public is invited.

This year, SWCC welcomes guest artists säje – a female vocal supergroup – whose first single “Dusk Baby” featuring Gerald Clayton and Grammy nominated for best arrangement, instruments and vocals, will perform 6 and 8 p.m. Friday at the SWCC Performing Arts Center theater. Expect covers of everything from Bjork to Stevie Wonder to the Beatles to Dolly Parton, and a few originals.

säje (rhymes with “beige”) includies Sara Gazarek, Amanda Taylor, Johnaye Kendrick and Erin Bentlage.

Professional music instructor Jeremy Fox said säje is not only comprised of fantastic performers, but educators as well.

“They are at the top of the game in terms of our area of expertise which is professional singing,” said Fox. “They’re just phenomenal musicians that are songwriters and they also know how to take other famous songs and make them into creative covers. Having a group that is high in creativity means we can inspire our students to be that creative.”

Fox said, prior to the performance, members of säje will work with SWCC music instructors to teach master classes to music students in the areas of music business, vocal techniques, circle singing, group improvisation and arranging cover songs.

Opening the shows Friday are SWCC school for music vocations’ student groups First Take and Audio Radiance.

“Our students, right now, I think we have some of the most quality students we’ve had in the 30 years of this programs existence,” said Fox.

Fox said he hopes the audience leaves the performances inspired.

“To continue with their own musical paths if they are musicians, student musicians or if they have music in their lives. I think being in the the audience for this unique concert will be very inspiring,” he said.

Of säje, Fox said he’s thrilled SWCC can bring a group like this to Creston.

“It’s certainly an out of the ordinary experience to bring seven professional musicians of this caliber to southwestern Iowa, specifically for these two concerts,” he said.

Tickets to the performance are $20 for general admission and $15 for students and seniors. Tickets are available online at https://tinyurl.com/swccsaje.