"Take the A Train," "Georgia on My Mind," "I Feel The Earth Move" and "Son of a Preacher Man" - they are some of the most recognizable songs of the 1930s through 1960s.
The Sevens have performed these songs and countless other popular standards at Capital City Productions within the last few years. Now the group is coming back for an encore performance of "The Great American Songbook" at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Miller Performing Arts Center, 501 Madison St.
This performance goes beyond an entertaining reunion for these artists. It is an evening that supports a cause.
The Sevens pianist and vocalist Audra Sergel and vocalist Brandon Sankpill, a Jefferson City native and recent St. Louis resident, were talking about how they could make the most impact and speak to the masses with an encore performance.
"We were hanging out in St. Louis and we passed by some homeless people. We thought how can we make a change for them?" Sankpill said. "We did some research on how we can get to the root cause, especially close to our area. Audra had worked with Missouri Faith Voices in the past, and we thought this would be a great way to give back with our performance."
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Missouri Faith Voices, which has chapters in Jefferson City and Columbia. This faith-based, multi-racial organization improves the quality of life for underprivileged people all over the state, Sankpill said. Their purpose is to empower and transform the lives of ordinary citizens who have been targeted by unfair policies and practices and oppressed by racial and economic injustice; building a better Missouri through amplifying prophetic voices; and building statewide grassroots power through uniting, training and equipping individuals and families, the organization's website said.
"They support homeless shelters and enact legislation, to name just a few things," Sankpill added. "We wanted to get together and we wanted to raise money for a great cause like this."
The Sevens are made up of seven vocalists and musicians, including another vocalist who has graced the Capital City Productions stage many times like Sankpill - Tori Stepanek. Most recently, Stepanek played Belle in the 2017 musical "Beauty and the Beast" and the 2018 "Christmas My Way" showcase at the local theater venue.
Derrick Enyard, who hails from the Moberly area, is the band's resident drummer and vocalist.
"Drums are his main go-to, but he plays a lot of instruments. And his voice is killer," Sankpill said.
Rounding out the band are bassist Jonathan Kies, guitarist Joel Anderson and solo instrumentalist Kerry Cordray, who will play clarinet and saxophone, Sankpill said.
"The Great American Songbook" is mixed with jazz and pop standards through the 1960s, with the whole band coming together to create that nostalgic sound the audience will enjoy.
"It is a unique music experience they don't get to see often. There is a lot of live music in the Jefferson City and Columbia area. They don't often get to see people perform jazz standards and music theatre jazz standards here, and really don't get to see that much anywhere else," Sankpill said. "We are excited to get back together and play on a Jefferson City stage. People have told us before they find it to be a relaxing evening of listening to music they enjoy. The fact they are helping give back to a great cause is an added bonus."
Tickets are $20 in advance through midmotix.com/events/the-great-american-songbook or at the door. For more information, visit The Sevens Facebook page, @thesevenstheband.