Mavis Staples & Friends Announce 80th Birthday Concerts In New York, Nashville & Los Angeles

Mavis Staples will celebrate her 80th birthday on July 10. In honor of the milestone, the legendary singer and political activist has announced three celebratory shows presented by the Newport Folk Festival this May.

The concerts which are being billed as “Mavis & Friends” will take place in New York, Nashville and Los Angeles with special guest performers at each show. New York City’s famed Apollo Theater will host the first night on May 9. The historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville will be the site of the May 15 show, while the finale will take place at L.A.’s Theatre At Ace Hotel on May 22.

Proceeds from the “Mavis & Friends” shows will go directly towards extending the Newport Festivals Foundation’s support of music education programs in each city. Tickets for all three nights will on sale Friday, February 15 at 1 p.m. ET.