How many headliner musicians do you know who credit their opening act for their inspiration?
In fact, Tennessee-born Citizen Cope, whose real name is Clarence Greenwood, personally introduces his opening act.
“I love what she does, she?s the most important artist I?ve seen in a long time,” Cope said of New York-based singer Alice Smith. “I think she?s going to be real big.”
Cope and Smith will be performing at Rams Head Live Saturday.
“I?m very fortunate, having a view and a voice and an artistic outlet,” Cope said of his career. “People are going to be affected by what you do, so you try to say some positive things. You just try to add something to somebody?s day.”
The artist?s fan base is expanding; his combination of folk, hip-hop and soul, exemplified in songs such as “Sideways,” “Son?s Gonna Rise” and “Bullet and a Target” have found their way into television shows
When Cope performs live, the excited fans calm when he walks out onto the stage, guitar in hand. The audience melts into one swaying sea of hands and voices, singing along with his powerful lyrics.
Cope?s super laid-back speaking manner shines through in his singing style, one of the more distinguishing characteristics of his music.
Opener Alice Smith has an amazing vocal range ? four octaves ? and her stage presence is hypnotizing. She sings blues and soul with heavy-lidded eyes, like she was born for the task.
The best part of Cope?s act in Baltimore is that if you missed the show on Friday, you can still catch him tonight, same place, same time.
If you go
Citizen Cope with Alice Smith
» Venue: Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore
» Time: 9 p.m. Saturday
» Tickets: $30.80
» Info: www.citizencope.com
