You probably know that New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz. What you might not know is that Orleans Parish extends north from the city proper about 1,200 miles — at least as far as Davina & the Vagabonds are concerned.

The Minneapolis jazz-blues act, with a sterling Dixieland horn section, a boppin' rhythm section, and pianist/singer Davina Sowers' teasing, steamy vocal delivery, is a pretty fun and remarkable band that fairly dazzles with NOLA sound and spirit on recordings like "Black Cloud," "Sunshine" and the powerful live disc "Nicollet and Tenth."

Sowers, who writes the bulk of the band's material, has clearly absorbed the nuances of Etta James, Sippie Wallace and Big Mama Thornton as well as folks like Randy Newman and Leon Redbone. At the same time, as a one-time heroin addict (15 years sober), Sowers writes songs contain a sense of joy, wisdom and gratitude that bubbles in contemporary fashion, in performance and on album.

Davina and the Vagabonds play Friday in Old Lyme at the Side Door Jazz Club. Count on a charming and distinctive performance — and you won't leave without buying a CD or two.

Davina and the Vagabonds, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Side Door Jazz Club; $34; (860) 434-0886.