There are plenty of college friends who love music and discover they play well together.
What?s different about Indiana University of Pennsylvania alumni Rob James, Greg Joseph, Dave Minarik and Scott Blasey is that they formed The Clarks and went on to musical success. A few marriages and some children later, the members are still tour together, albeit not as frequently as early in their careers.
“We don?t play as much these days,” Blasey said from his Texas home before the tour. “Now our lives are about our wives and babies. We?re moving into a different phase of our lives and the band.”
But the fans the group won through the years of concert touring remain loyal and word-of-mouth has helped the pop-rock group?s fan base grow despite less frequent exposure.
“It?s crazy. When we do shows in western Pennsylvania, we get people from 3 to 70,” Blasey said. “People who saw us 20 years ago now bring their kids. We get all ages. It?s great because for the older fans we play songs we haven?t played in 10 years or more. It also exposes our younger, new fans to different music.”
“We?re still striving to be better at what we do all the time,” James said. “Just the fact that we?re able to perpetuate doing this for a living and being able to focus on the fact that you can get better and grow, I think that?s a huge thing.”
But as the band goes into their next phase, the touring will likely become more sporadic. Instead the band will likely concentrate more on records, beginning a new one next year, Blasey said, who?s also planning a solo album.
“I am optimistic yet realistic,” he said. “I think [my solo record] is a really good record and I?m really proud of it ? whatever happens, I feel really fortunate to have The Clarks.”
IF YOU GO
The Clarks with Danielia Cotton
» Venue: Rechter Theatre, 512 York Road, Towson
» When: 10 p.m. Friday
» Tickets: $15 (under 21 +$3 at the door)
» More info: 410-337-7178
