Music For Everyone: Vanessa Collier

Orion Communities presents blues, soul, and roots artist Vanessa Collier at The Colonial Theatre. Collier performs music from her sixth album, *Do It My Own Way*, a Memphis soul-influenced recording made with analog equipment and shaped by classic R&B, blues, and Americana sounds.

The album explores personal independence, women’s strength, perseverance, and challenging sexism in the music industry. Songs include the funk-driven “Elbow Grease,” the soul-oriented “Wild As a Rainstorm,” the gospel-influenced tribute “Rosetta,” the minor-key Americana piece “Take Me Back,” and the title track “Do It My Own Way.” Collier wrote, produced, and arranged the album, performing lead and background vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, alto and tenor saxophones, and flute.

When: November 12

Venue: The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville

Presented by: Orion Communities

Performer: Vanessa Collier

Music: The program centers on songs from *Do It My Own Way*, Collier’s sixth album. The record draws on the Memphis soul traditions associated with Stax and Hi Records, as well as blues, R&B, funk, gospel, and Americana.

Album collaborators: The recording features legendary Hi Records organist Rev. Charles Hodges, along with guitarist Laura Chavez, bassist Scott Sutherland, and Byron Cage. The page does not specify the live performance lineup.

Artist background: Collier is a fifteen-time Blues Music Award nominee and five-time winner. She made her Chicago Blues Festival debut in front of tens of thousands of attendees and previously performed with blues musician Joe Louis Walker before launching her solo career. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, she developed a career as a singer, songwriter, bandleader, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and arranger.

Tickets: Price not available

Run time: Not specified.

Ages: Not specified.

Accessibility: The page provides an accessibility section but does not include event-specific accessibility details in the available text.