John Davidson arrived on the scene over 50 years ago with a B.A. in theater arts from Denison University. He debuted on Broadway soon thereafter in a show called Foxy starring Burt Lahr (the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz). Later he went on to star in State Fair and win a Theater Guild Award for playing Curly in the Broadway revival of Oklahoma!

John became a staple on TV and hosted his own daytime talk show, (too many) beauty pageants, the Tom Jones summer replacement series, as well as The Kraft Summer Music Hall with regulars George Carlin, Flip Wilson, and Richard Pryor. He co-starred with Sally Field on a TV series, The Girl with Something Extra. John appeared in Disney films like The Happiest Millionaire and The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band as well as appearances in other films – including the iconic Edward Scissorhands.

Over the years, John recorded many record albums. Singing and telling stories has always been one of his favorite things to do and his irrepressible sense of humor comes through loud and clear during his performances. He may be remembered as the All-American boy next door and now it’s time to find out more about him and get to experience him up close and personal in an intimate venue.

Photo by: Lisa Vollmer (https://www.lisavollmer.com/)

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In 2014 Amanda Maffei attended NERFA to springboard songwriting and performing professionally. After attending Vance Gilbert’s workshop she enlisted him as coach.

She recently wrote and recorded her first professionally produced debut album, Both Sides Now, with Crit Harmon as producer and Brad Hatfield as director; she wrote and recorded a compilation of six kids’ songs and radio plays with a cast of professional storytellers and musicians, along with a professional Foley artist for sound effects; she wrote and had illustrated a children’s book entitled Where Are Sam and Grace?, companioning one of the radio plays; and wrote script and score for a children’s/family musical based on the Scandinavian tale ‘Tatterhood’.

A performer/entertainer, recording artist, composer, music director, innovative middle school music teacher, award winning songwriter, musical theater composer and choral conductor, she brings a unique depth and breadth to her music and music community.

• So wait a second: John Davidson – the Hollywood Squares host and the incurably wholesome crooner on too many variety shows to completely avoid – is far better now as an actor than he ever was as a TV personality or a singer??!? Capable of savagery and raw power? Watching the Charlotte premiere of Finding Neverland at Belk Theater earlier this week turned my long-held convictions upside-down. Broadway World
• Sometimes you get the feeling he is singing specifically to you and this uplifting style lends to an interaction between artist and audience lacking in many other current concerts. John has a theatrical voice and he sings convincingly and passionately. A real 21st century troubadour in every sense of the word. The Noise
• John Davidson, a veteran of stage and television, provides a comical and steady presence. I love his performance. This part(s) takes a special type to enjoy themselves on stage and create a “villain” that you enjoy and love anyway. Rogers Revue
• Davidson is a one-man entertainment juggernaut — singer, game show host, talk show host, and actor on stage and in TV and film. Greenville News
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• Amanda Maffei combines outstanding musicianship with deft and distinctive songwriting skills. She is a joy to hear and a treat for any live audience. Nick Noble, the folk revival, WICN (Worcester Public Radio)

• John Davidson’s

• Website | Video

• Amanda Maffei’s

• Website | Video