Llais: Annie and the Caldwells

Event Info

Annie and the Caldwells are a family from Mississippi that plays a powerful disco soul, led by mother Ms. Annie Caldwell.

Their music won’t only move you spiritually but emotionally as well—with songs that are as much at home in a church of God as in the church of the dance floor.

Their new album Can’t Lose My (Soul) released on David Byrne’s label Luaka Bop, is 40 years in the making and has already gotten rave reviews in MOJO and The Guardian.

Ms. Annie is backed by daughters Deborah and Anjessica, and goddaughter Toni Rivers; their eldest son Willie Jr. is on the bass and youngest son Abel Aquirius is on the drums. Their father and Annie’s husband of the last fifty years, Willie Joe Caldwell, Sr, is on guitar.

They generally play on weekends—so for their day jobs Annie runs a clothing store, Willie Jr. drives a forklift, Abel Aquirius drives hospital patients, Anjessica works in customer care for an insurance company, Toni is an elementary school teacher, and Deborah does hair. Ms. Annie herself runs Caldwell Fashions—which has been a beloved staple for women dressing for COGIC (Church Of God In Christ) convocations and church anniversaries since the ’80s.

—

Age guidance: 8+ (no under 2s)

Please note that all under 16s must be with an adult aged 18 or above.