Levi Stephens to Perform at University Programs Coffee House

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University Programs will host a live performance by musician Levi Stephens at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 at Au Bon Pain in the Arkansas Union.

This event is free to current U of A students through the student activities fee, and students must show university ID for entrance. Admission for general public is free but contingent on seating availability. For special accommodations due to disability, please contact the Office of Student Activities, osa@uark.edu or call 479-575-5255.

Levi Stephen’s debut album, This Way goes far beyond the confines of R&B and seamlessly melds a variety of genres, from soul to rock to gospel to folk while always remaining honest, clever and conversational.

Stephen’s affinity for singing can be attributed to growing up in the Washington, D.C. area in a home he remembers being filled with music.

“My father was a big music head,” he said. “We grew up listening to all kinds of really good music. Music was bigger than TV.”

Like many artists, his musical roots began in church where Stephens, like his father, sang and played the piano. Outside of the church, young Levi was exposed to artists like Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers and Donny Hathaway. In addition to those soul legends, The Beatles, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Jimi Hendrix and Prince all made their mark on Levi's musical style and led him to the guitar which was the final piece needed to create his sound.

Along with his two partners at Kollective Music, Levi has written and produced songs on 702's 2003 album Star, (“Places” and “Certified”), Raheem Devaughn's 2005 album, The Love Experience (“Believe”) and the Fat Albert Movie soundtrack (“Come on” and “Join the Gang”).

This event is sponsored by University Program’s Coffeehouse Committee. For more information on this event, contact University Program’s Coffeehouse, Trista McVey atupcoffee@uark.edu or 479-575-5255.