Keri Davis and Magnolia Soul

If you went to watch Keri Davis and Magnolia Soul, you would get a live performance featuring soulful vocals, bluesy grooves, and classic rhythm and blues. Based in Flowood, Mississippi, the band brings a classic Southern soul sound delivered by a tight, live five-piece lineup. The group is comprised of highly experienced professional musicians that bring energy and excitement to the night with expert guitar and keyboard solos grounded by a solid rhythm section. Expect a mixture of deep grooves, emotional storytelling, and danceable R&B rhythms native to the Mississippi music tradition.

Soulful vocals, gritty blues guitar and an irresistible groove that is deep in the pocket. Keri Davis and Magnolia Soul is a Central Mississippi band with a magnetic fusion of blues, rock, and funk full of expressive soul. Perfect for bars, clubs, restaurants, music halls, private parties and special events. We keep audiences engaged, excited, and staying longer.

Our live set features gritty blues guitar, a tight rhythm section locked deep in the pocket, and expressive, soulful vocals. We have a proven track record of elevating rooms, keeping audiences highly engaged, and encouraging patrons to stay longer and support the bar.

Our lineup brings an exceptional level of professional experience to the stage:

Keri Davis (Vocals):
Keri began singing at church and in school in South Texas. Her classical training took her to study music and art at the University of North Texas and she was inspired by the diverse music scene there studying classical, jazz, and blues music. During that time she sang with soul band Mingo Fishtrap which sunk musical taproots even deeper into funk, blues and old soul. Keri is also an artist, teacher, and owner of Pacesetter Gallery in Flowood, MS.

"When we play music as a group, magic happens right there in that moment, its a place where musicians strive to reach. From our rhythm section sitting deep in the pocket, to soulful vocals, and the instrumental prowess of guitar and keyboard, we know you are going to love our sound. We can't wait to share our music with you."

Glen Fortinberry (Guitar):
Glen Fortinberry was born in Jackson and has lived all over the United States and around the world pursuing his dual careers of news media and international diplomacy. He played his first professional gig at the Bottle Neck Blues Club in London, England, in 1968 at age 15. He has since performed many cities in the U.S., Italy, Japan, and Africa. Glen's CD, Moment of Truth, climbed to number 22 on the Living Blues Chart.

Glen says his musical goal is to reach people in ways that they've never experienced before. His goal as guitarist is simply to blend with the band in a way that makes audiences smile.

Demetric Jones (Drums): Demetric is from Jackson, MS. His musical experience began with marching band and soon he began playing for his church. He is the founder of Legend Builders Percussion, an organization dedicated to creating a strong percussion foundation for the youth and showing ways of life through music. He has played with Jarekus Singleton, B. B. King Blues at Sea, Yada Trio, Keri Davis and Magnolia Soul and others.

"I am influenced by all musicians who believe in the craft and use the gift to uplift others."

Keri Davis (Vocals):
Keri began singing at church and in school in South Texas. Her classical training took her to study music and art at the University of North Texas and she was inspired by the diverse music scene there studying classical, jazz, and blues music. During that time she sang with soul band Mingo Fishtrap which sunk musical taproots even deeper into funk, blues and old soul. Most recently she has played in duo Keri and Richard across Central MS. Keri is also an artist, teacher, and owner of Pacesetter Gallery in Flowood, MS.

"When we play music as a group, magic happens right there in that moment, its a place where musicians strive to reach. From our rhythm section sitting deep in the pocket, to soulful vocals, and the instrumental prowess of guitar and keyboard, we know you are going to love our sound. We can't wait to share our music with you."

Terry Grace (Bass): Terry Grace is a seasoned bassist and musical director with a distinguished 20-year military music career spanning the United States Marine Corps and the United States Air Force. As a full-time Air Force musician, Terry toured the globe, blending strict military discipline with world-class musicianship. He has performed for diverse, massive audiences worldwide, providing a rock-solid rhythmic foundation for legendary artists across genres like jazz, pop, country, and rock.

Throughout his career, Terry has shared the stage and performed alongside an impressive roster of iconic musicians such as Melba Moore, Johnathan Peirce, Take 6, Aaron Neville, Brian McKnight, and Angie Johnson.Terry also toured globally with Grammy award-winners Hootie & the Blowfish, Kid Rock, John Popper of The Blues Traveler, Restless Heart, Jamie O'Neal, and Lee Greenwood.

Lanard Swinney (Keyboard): Lanard is an IT pro who solves digital problems before the sun goes down. After hours, he solves a different kind of problem at the piano, with 15+ years of self-taught soul shaped in the church. He draws inspiration from the soulful storytelling of Stevie Wonder, the smooth innovation of Robert Glasper, and the timeless craftsmanship of Elton John. Lanard holds down the rhythm, locks in the harmony, and makes sure the band's foundation is solid.

"Consider me the silent anchor of the sound. I joined this band to be part of something real: to listen, to connect, and to keep the groove alive when the music needs it most."