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Women Who Rock: Davina From Davina And The Vagabonds

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- We are starting a new series on the WCCO This Morning show about Minnesota women who rock.

We know all Minnesota women rock, but we are featuring the women on stage who lead with their voices and musical talents. We start with Davina from "Davina and the Vagabonds."

We are coming out of the gate hot with this one. Davina puts a new twist on an old sound. WCCO's Natalie Nyhus went into the home and closet of the woman who rocks a piano and killer vintage looks.

Davina, of Davina and the Vagabonds has been spreading sunshine from her piano seat since she was 6 years old. But why piano?

"Because my mom made me," she said.

The powerhouse singer got her start with the Vagabonds in Minnesota eight years ago based on a little white lie.

"I totally lied and said yeah, I have a band. I learned three hours worth of music and just everything fell into place," she said.

She said the music people hear is stuff they grew up with or that their grandparents listened to. Her group aims to bring it out to our generation.

The group travels the world from Switzerland and Romania to all across the U.S., putting on a high-energy, theatrical show.

"I'm a ham, so that helps. I really love being on stage and performing," Davina said.

And boy, does she look the part. Davina has a signature vintage look, with era-specific clothing and makeup.

"Each piece I've hand selected and love so much. It kind of puts me into character," she said.

She's covered in tattoos, always wears a petticoat and has fantastic head wear.

"When I write, it's my chance to be strong and show people exactly who I am," Davina said.

She credits her mother with teaching her to always be herself.

"She taught me how to be an individual. This is what you get mom. This is what you get," she said.

Davina said her mission is to make people happy with her music and she never cheats while on stage. She's always giving it 100 percent.

If you want to see her perform live, Davina and the Vagabonds will be at the Dakota Jazz Club on Saturday for the release show of their new album "Sunshine."

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