By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
EDITOR’S NOTE: Because of the inclement weather, this concert has been rescheduled for Saturday, Aug. 17.
In the ‘90s, the alternative rock band Everclear made a name for themselves with their raw energy, powerful lyrics, and catchy musical hooks. Coming out of Portland, Ore., the band’s first three albums with Capitol Records, “Sparkle and Fade,” “So Much for the Afterglow,” and “Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning How to Smile,” found mainstream success; and iconic songs like “Father of Mine” and “Santa Monica,” continues to be heard on the radio today. Everclear founder/lead singer/guitarist/song writer Art Alexakis is bringing the band to Pennsauken, playing a free performance on Saturday, Aug. 17, as part of the Twilight Concert Series at Cooper River Park. During a recent phone interview with All Around Pennsauken, Alexakis reflected on over three decades of performing to fans of all ages.
“It’s been a great journey,” said Alexakis. “We were a mix of grunge and punk rock: hard big guitars with swagger. That’s really where I was coming from musically at the time.
“It’s awesome to see a lot of familiar faces and people who love the hits,” added Art. “In the last few years, we’ve been drawing a lot more young people, a lot of kids in their late teens to mid 20s. They weren’t even born when our songs came out on the radio. They’re looking for real rock music. It’s a really good feeling that we’re 35 years in and we’re still making an impact.”
Prior to the show, the Camden County Board of Commissioners and The Addiction Awareness Task Force will host a Recovery Rocks night that evening to celebrate recovery. There will be a Sober Tailgate Party with food and refreshments at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Fellowship Meeting at 6:30 p.m. As part of the conversation, Alexakis spoke about his many years of sobriety.
“I’ve been sober for 35 years, but left a lot of blood in the water,” said Art. “But couple that with all the success with the band, the journey and travel, I’m grateful for all of it, even with all the adversity.”
On Aug. 17, Everclear will perform at Jack Curtis Stadium at Cooper River Park, 5300 North Park Drive., Pennsauken. The free concert begins at 8:00 p.m.; and Everclear fans both new and old will not be disappointed.
“We play all the hits, all our fan favorites. We also play requests from social media to perform some of the 268 songs we recorded. We also play a new song off our live album, ‘Sing Away,’” explained Alexakis. “We’re excited to play some old school ‘90s alternative rock.”
