The Tri-Lite

Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Julie Ivers Debut CD, Lonely for a Lifetime

March's Artist of the Month is one that isn't really new to the music scene. She's already landed a starring role in a major motion picture, has two albums under her belt, and has made a few appearances at the prestigious BB King's Jazz Club in New York City. Yet, for those of you who have never heard of Dana Fuchs, listen up.

You may have heard her sing in the spectacular, Oscar-nominated film "Across the Universe." She played Sadie, the lead singer in 'Sadie and the Po Boys.' She plays a wonderful singer in the movie, mostly because that's what she does for a living.

Dana was brought up on music by her parents and her five siblings. She had her own band when she was 16, but at the age of 19 she ended up alone and broke in New York City. It took a few years, a few hardships, and certainly a few thousand late night performances to get her name out there. She met up with her lead guitarist, Jon Diamond, at one of New York's Blues clubs and the instant chemistry gave birth to 'The Dana Fuchs Band.' After playing Janis Joplin in off-Broadway's "Love Janis," Dana and the band went to the studio and she wrote her own story in their premier CD, 'Lonely for a Lifetime,' which was a skyrocket hit and sold out quickly.

Recently, while playing at BB King's Jazz Club, she recorded the performance and it became her second CD/DVD, 'Live in NYC.' Both CDs can be purchased online at www.danafuchs.com, and I strongly recommend them both. On that site, you can also check out her video collection and listen to track samples.

Her voice is a powerful, raspy combination of Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, and Sheryl Crow. She has one of those sounds that is perfect for winding down at the end of the day, but there are some songs that will stop you dead in your tracks. Personally, I was floored by her performance of "Helter Skelter" in the opening montage of "Across the Universe," but similarly her cover of Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind" will shake you. Billboard magazine called Dana, "a bold and beautiful thing, and her talent is immense."

Recently, she announced a new U.S. Tour for the Spring, and Philadelphia is on the list! She's scheduled to perform at the World Cafeacute on Saturday, May 3. Tickets are very inexpensive, and you should really catch her while you can. That is why I've chosen this incredible artist as March's You Outta Know: Artist of the Month.

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