The choices were many on this balmy August night. Jilly from Philly at one venue, the Atlanta Dream hooping at another. Hair conventions and high school football classics, I would partake in none of it due to a long standing appointment (a rather stale one at that) that had me hemmed up on a Friday night. But, then fate did its thing and remedied it all: a cancellation. No chagrin, just jubilation. I could now go to the Avery Sunshine/Julie Dexter concert at the Variety Playhouse.
I’d been researching the Can a Sista Rock a Mic? (CASRAM) Music Festival and noticed that two women really stood out as far as fan support: Avery Sunshine and Julie Dexter. So, when the opportunity to hear them live presented itself, I leapt for it. My musical needs are simple: know your stuff. Dancers are cute – but that’s what Vegas and Broadway are for. Showmanship is notable – but for that it’s Cirque du Soleil hands down. If you bill yourself as a vocalist, you better damn well know how to sing. And, if you declare yourself a songwriter, never in my presence stick your finger in your ear and speak into the ethers, “Turn my music up – turn me up.” A female vocalist should open her mouth and emit sounds from her diagram (sans nasal cavity) that is nothing short of a full throated embrace with commitment to convince me of every word she sings. Otherwise, get off my stage. Simple enough.
Walking into the Variety Playhouse, I instinctively knew none of that would happen. The crowd was intimate, but passionate. I spoke with several fellow concert goers and most had seen these women perform before. Known for reasonable ticket prices as well as supporting indie artists, the Variety Playhouse is a real musicians dream because of its 1,200-plus seating and descent acoustics. This night was no different.
The lights dimmed and the first thing you notice is Julie Dexter’s strut (above). This woman has one with some to spare. I knew she wouldn’t disappoint and, as soon as she touched that microphone, she didn’t. Sure, her single ‘Ketch a Vibe” was featured in national radio ads for Democratic Presidential Candidate Senator Barack Obama back in 2008. But, that is a small footnote for this award-winning artist. Classically-trained Dexter was born and raised in Birmingham, England and composes and arranges her own music. Influenced by legends such as Nancy Wilson, Abbey Lincoln, and Bob Marley, as well as popular icons Omar and Sade, Dexter’s set was short but spanned genres with commanding vocals and a tight, tight band that pushed her and she it.
Top-billed Avery Sunshine was an equal show stopper. The three songs from her newly released EP, Summer, provided the chassis for this sometimes purring, often roaring, musical engine. Opening with her signature “I Got Sunshine”, the crowd was quickly on their feet, singing in unison, swaying back and forth. Clearly this was an ongoing party/love affair that welcomed new comers like me and the experience was all the better for it. An accomplished keyboardist, Sunshine’s intimate use of the “88’s” was impressive. Listening to her song “Ugly” Sunshine reminds us that once in a while, a songwriter can write something so simple yet pure that it will forever remain in memory. “It’s just that ugly part of me. I love you and I don’t want you to leave me.” Equally, melodic and foot-tappin’ worthy is the song “Pinin’” about the one unforgettable man in every woman’s life repertoire. “I’m still pinin’, sitting on the corner wishing your were mine.” Yeah, Sunshine knows a woman’s heart and thoughts. Purchasing this wonderful performer’s work simply isn’t an option. It’s a must. At the very least, close out summer with Summer.
