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For more info on PrideFest or the event schedule, visit www.gaynepa.com/pridefest.
Credibility is an area which seems to trouble many musicians. In an era where the airwaves are bombarded with a slew of people vying to be heard, only the most sincere and genuine are likely to make it. Finding that credibility is not an issue for singer-songwriter Jeremiah Clark, though. The Pittsburgh transplant, who is about as open and honest as they come, will be making his first venture to Northeastern Pennsylvania on Sunday, Aug. 8 when he’ll be a featured performer at PrideFest, which will be held at Kirby Park.
The young talent is forthcoming about his sexual orientation, but his overall likeability and sincerity is due to both his ability to build an emotional connection with the listener and his warm persona. In fact, Clark is quick to point out that the many facets of his life and the world around him are what inspires and shapes his music — not his sexual orientation.
“I wouldn’t say that being openly gay defines my music,” he said.
Rather, it’s just another part of his personality that inevitably comes into play during the creative process that was probably first molded when Clark was growing up in the South. Born into an extremely musical family, he has always been surrounded by the arts and actually taught himself how to play the piano and the guitar.
His skills were first honed on a Casio keyboard that he rocked out on while his brother accompanied on the drums. Eventually that musical inclination lead to Clark’s first stab at recording when he was just 16-years-old.
Though he has been seriously recording for some time now, his discography denotes a small gap where he took a brief hiatus to do some soul searching. Clark said that, at that time, his biggest pursuit was finding out who he really was personally — and professionally. He spent most of his brief departure from recording simply writing, and as a result, he has been able to produce some of his most personal and moving pieces to date, such as “Come On, Autumn.”
His decision to share that soulful, dramatic music with NEPA at PrideFest is due in part to his desire to be a positive role model for those struggling with self-acceptance in the LGBT community. Although he really did not deal with any serious internal struggles, coming out to a Southern Baptist family as a teen exposed the singer to a myriad of external prejudices — most of which those closest to him have been able to overcome.
Having been there himself, and being a musician, Clark is in a position to have a positive impact on those seeking advisement and guidance.
“As a musician, I think it’s important to support (events that encourage) the mentality of acceptance and equality,” he said.
Clark hopes that those attending PrideFest will be touched in some way, whether it is by the music or through communication with others whose own stories of courage are inspirational.
And that is the same hope Clark has for those deciding to buy his album or stop by a show. If the members of the audience find solace in his more emotional songs about pain or if they find peace from his lighter, more upbeat songs, he wants them to be left with an imprint.
“Whether it’s two minutes or two hours, I really want people to take away from a performance the same impact,” he said.
Clark’s grassroots beginning and drive are apparent in his pledge program, Kickstart, where fans can make donations contributing to the production of his upcoming album and receive special perks as a result. Obviously, like any musician, he is trying to build a brand, but that determination, intertwined with a true passion for community outreach is what helps create that elusive ideal of credibility.
“I think the most powerful thing you can do is introduce yourself to someone and have that face-to-face connection,” Clark said.
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