PRIDE GUIDE 1994 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 9

A passionate and honest stage presence

by Doreen Cudnik

There are a lot of good singers around today, and quite a variety of women musicians. And there are the performers, like k.d. lang and Melissa Etheridge who draw large crowds wherever they play. But the size of the audience is not always the sign of a true “artist." We'll be privileged to experience a true artist when singer Dianne Davidson shares her gift of music with us at this year's Pride March and Festival in Cleveland, June 11, 1994.

Dianne Davidson offers the epitome of artistry. A singer, songwriter,`musician, producer and performer, her style and range escape categorization, but her passion, depth and robust vocals never escape her audiences. Blues, rock, jazz, reggae-she performs them all with soul and brilliance and impels her listeners to participate by taking an emotional and musical journey with her that few are likely to forget.

Born in West Tennessee, Dianne was a gifted and precocious child. Singing and writing songs before she played in her first band at age 11, she had at age 17 "an album instead of a diploma." Her musical development was undertaken in such diverse settings as rowdy West Tennessee bars, the West Coast, Greenwich Village listening rooms and in major concert halls.

Her musical history includes four albums, three singles and a list of performing credits that vary from Linda Ronstadt to B.B. King, Jimmy Buffet to Dan Fogelberg, Barry Manilow to Leon Russell. She has also appeared and recorded with well-known women artists such as Holly Near, Bonnie Raitt, Kathy Mattea and Cris Williamson.

Because of her affiliation with Olivia Records, which distributed Davidson's 1988 album, Breaking All the Rules, she emerged with the often commercially-fatal "women's music" moniker. "I'm not even sure what

women's music is," Davidson says. "Is it self-directed music by women? Is it music that speaks to empowerment or identity of some kind? Does that make Madonna women's music? If I were a man and singing about the same issues I am now, it wouldn't be called men's music." She contends that it is disheartening that there are labels given to music that give people a reason not to listen to it. “I think my music speaks to a much larger audience than any term might suggest. I play to crowds that go from 19-year-olds to people in their 60s. There's men and women, gays and straights, blacks and whites, country fans and rock fans, old acid heads and church-goers. I love that. I love being able to have people with diverse backgrounds in the same room enjoying something at the same time.”

She has received rave reviews from virtually every major music publication in the country. Billboard Magazine described Davidson as "One of the biggest-voiced ladies in the business." A reviewer from Rolling Stone magazine had this to say: "Dianne Davidson actually gave me the chills." Words like "a knockout,” “powerful," "raw, rocking, sometime gritty and upbeat, always gut-wrenching and emotive," are commonplace in reviews of her recordings and performances.

Dianne is a performer whose stage presence is genuine, intense, passionate and honest. Her wit and laid-back style invite her audience to sit back and enjoy her artistry and soulful vocals. There's nothing more satisfying to her than establishing that special rapport with her audience, because she and the audience share a love for music.

Dianne Davidson has recently introduced her talents to a larger audience. Already a master in intimate settings, she now turns her attention to sharing her gift with more music lovers than ever before. Increasing

TONI ARMSTRONG, JR.

Dianne Davidson will be signing her album at Gifts of Athena on June 9, appearing at the 5¢ Decision on June 10, and performing at Cleveland Pride on June 11.

numbers of listeners are tuning into Dianne's unique style and artistry, and recognizing her truly great vocal and timeless lyrical talents.

Audiences may come to a performance expecting to hear some pretty good music. They will be pleasantly surprised by Dianne Davidson's commitment to sincere lyrics, good music and moving performances. She never disappoints in providing all three, because her music is from the soul. "Singing for people is my greatest passion, and I think that comes out in my performance.”

Dianne plans to "bring more people into the fold" during her concert stops in major cities this summer. Let's give her a world class Cleveland Pride welcome when she works her magic here on June 11. ♡

As part of her stay, Dianne will also be at Gifts of Athena, 2199 Lee Rd. in Cleveland Hts. on Thursday, June 9 at 7 pm to sign copies of her albums. She will also make an appearance and sign albums on Friday, June 10, at the 5¢ Decision, 4365 State Rd., starting at 10 pm.

G.I.F.T. / PRIDE

Cruise

G.I.F.T.

Registration Party

Saturday June11, 1994

North Coast Harbor East 9th Street Pier

Boarding time 6:30p.m. Cruise leaves 7:00pm sharp

Tickets $16 in advance, $20 at the gate

$1 per ticket will be

donated to H.I.T.

AT LEGENDS

Friday June 10, 1994 7pm-midnight

Real Carnival Games!

Prizes!

Raffles!

Fun!!!

YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS THESE EVENTS!!!!

Cruise Tickets Available at local bars. For more information call 252-8933