Sweet sounds will be coming from the Omnova Theatre in the Rosenzweig Arts Center in downtown Columbus July 22.
Dana Clark and Michele Clark will perform at 7 p.m. in a release concert for their newly-recorded collection of original songs, “Sweet Music.”
The duo by the same name has spent substantial time in Atlanta, and was voted Best Band in Atlanta”s 2009 Southern Voice Awards. Dana was voted Best Female Musician in 2009 and 2010. She was also Drummer of the Year in 1972 at the International Song Festival in Nashville, Tenn., while performing with The Latinos of Los Angeles.
The new album marks the completion of an era for Dana, who picked up a ukulele at age 3, began playing drums at 7, and took up guitar at age 11. The longtime owner of DC Music on Columbus” Fifth Street North composed and arranged the eight new tracks she describes as “pure, organic music” recorded primarily in Atlanta.
“We don”t enhance or fix anything digitally. I didn”t do any of that; it is what it is,” she said. “And that”s the way we wanted it to turn out.”
Dana and Michele”s voices blend in a soft rock retro style rich with harmonies. One song features four different vocal tracks. “It was fun stacking our voices,” smiled Dana, who has taught countless aspiring musicians throughout the two decades she”s owned DC Music.
“That was the most fun for me,” said Michele, “singing along with ourselves. I always did say that if I had two heads, it would be great, because I could sing my own harmonies,” she grinned.
Michele began singing at age 10, in Pensacola, Fla., and took up guitar in 1991. She holds a degree in psychology from Mississippi University for Women and has taught guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, drums and beginning piano to more than 300 students. One of those was Ruby Jane Smith, on guitar. The Columbus native was the youngest invited musician to perform on the Grand Ole Opry.
Getting it done
Completing the recording carries its own satisfaction for Dana and Michele.
“There”s pride that it”s finally finished, and I”m amazed at how it turned out,” said Dana, who in the past has made primarily gospel recordings. “It was so much fun! It”s like going down a water slide; it”s so much fun you say, ”Let”s do it again!”” she said, with a hearty laugh.
Both musicians share a passion for music.
“It”s a universal language. I don”t think it makes any difference what you”re singing, when it comes down to the music, it”s a power, something inside you, a feeling you get,” said Dana. “That”s why we”re so passionate about teaching and passing on the baton to the next generations. They have so much instant gratification,” she continued, noting games like “Guitar Hero.”
“That”s a video game. That”s just hand-eye coordination. Fun, if all you want is a video game, but it”s not music. … I don”t really know the words to express it. … We have such a passion about music. That”s what it”s down to. We live, eat and breathe it. It”s who we are and what we do.”
How to go
Tickets for the 7 p.m. CD release show at 501 Main St. are $5. In addition to new tracks, the planned set list will include plenty of recognizable classics, like “(Sittin” on) The Dock of the Bay,” “The Letter,” and “Under the Boardwalk.” CD”s will be available for $10. And there will be plenty of sweet refreshments to go along with the “Sweet Music.”
For more information about the “Sweet Music” CD or availability, contact Dana Clark at 662-327-1555.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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