Singer-songwriter Dana Cooper will be back at Brad Colerick’s Wine and Song, along with Jesse Loren Strickman, on Wednesday, Aug. 24, at the Canoe House in South Pasadena.
Few artists can claim to make music for 50 years and still do so with the same eagerness and enthusiasm that marked their initial efforts. Such is Dana Cooper, who experienced the mechanisms of the major labels early on. But as a solo independent artist, Copper has maintained a full flourish on his own.
His new album, I Can Face the Truth, not only boasts a telling title, but more importantly, reflects an unimpeded joy and exuberance that are exactly what’s needed during this pessimistic period of modern history. Songs such as “Always Old Friends,” “Upside Down Day,”“Laughing and Crying,” “Summer In America,” and the title tune are flush with an upbeat optimism that makes every offering genuinely striking in both sentiment and execution.
San Francisco Bay Area singer-songwriter Jesse Loren Strickman is known for potent lyrics and powerful, acoustic-based music; emotionally charged vocals sail over jaunty chords in songs about heartache, healing and peace. Insightful themes recur throughout Strickman’s music, and personal stories of intimacy and heartbreak color a lot of his repertoire.
“In our deepest pain we grow the most and in darkness light is most potent,” he says. “I make music to guide people back to the light because that’s what music has always done for me.”
No ticket is required for this event, just a $15 suggested donation. Doors open at 6 p.m. And if you can’t make this show and want to catch Dana Cooper, he’ll be at Coffee Gallery in Altadena with Joel Rafael the following night.
For more information, call (323) 769-3500 or visit www.bradcolerick.com.
Canoe House is at 805 Fair Oaks Ave. in South Pasadena.
