Sacramento jazz singer Denise Anya and Carmichael rocker Todd Morgan will perform at the Spiritual Life Center’s Mystic Café venue on July 11.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Swing will meet rockabilly when Carmichael artist Todd Morgan headlines with jazz/gospel veteran Denise Anya at an Arden Arcade church on Friday, July 11.

Old friends from Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society days, the entertainers present “At the Crossroads of Rockabilly and Swing” at the Spiritual Life Center’s Mystic Café.

Anya grew up in Tennessee, migrated to Southern California and came to Sacramento via a three-decade government career. The Pocket area resident is a rising star in Sacramento jazz and church entertainment.

She met Morgan while gigging at the Elks Lodge on Riverside Boulevard, nine years ago.

“Todd played drums for me when he wasn’t with his own band,” Anya recalled. “He was awesome and the audience was crazy for him. I’ve since seen him at other venues and loved his energy. He’s a wizard on guitar, piano and drums.  I love that older audiences also enjoy him. I never saw a young man so popular."

When Anya developed a love for country music, she suggested a Morgan/Anya collaboration.

“The idea was to bring his rockabilly, my country-swing and our voices together,” Anya explained. “I’m excited to perform with Todd. I hope the evening highlights his diversity and gives us both the opportunity to uplift the human spirit.”

Anya and Morgan’s backup band includes James Malone (piano), Bill Dendle (guitar), David Lichman (bass), Jim Caselli (drums) and vocalist Shelley Burns.

The Mystic Café event begins with a 5:30 p.m. social hour; music is at 6:30 p.m. 

Admission includes appetizers and desserts. Beer and wine is available for purchase. 

Spiritual Life Center is located at 2201 Park Towne Circle Sacramento. For more information, visit www.SLCworld.org.