Dave Sharp’s Secret Seven Plays Music Under the Arch May 19

Dave Sharp’s Secret Seven will perform Pt. 2 Journey to India at Stone Arch Arts and Events on Thursday, May 19, in the final concert of the 2011 Music Under the Arch series. In Journey to India, the group explores Indian influences in their music and will feature Hindustani vocalist Parag Ray.

Having been named to Jazz Times Magazine’s 2010 Critics Poll, and boasting a newly released CD, 7, charting Country Music Journal’s top 30 for national airplay, “Secret Seven transcends musical, national, and ethnic boundaries by re-interpreting, not fusing, influences from Africa, Asia, the Latin world, Blue Note Jazz, and that other planet, New Orleans” says a recent write-up on the group’s sold out performances at Kerrytown Concert Hall. “Dave Sharp’s Secret Seven is world jazz for the jazz world.”

Sharp, a native of Detroit who now lives in Ann Arbor, became devoted to jazz at the University of Michigan and refined his style studying under the renowned bassist Herbie Lewis in San Francisco, and virtuoso bassist, composer and bandleader Marion Hayden in Detroit. Sharp leads the Secret Seven on electric bass and double bass.

Parag Ray lives in Windsor, Ontario, but received her musical training from an early age in Kolkata, India. In 2010 she released her debut album, Parag – “A Revival of Bangla Thumris.

Brad Phillips will open the concert. Phillips is a former member of the Saline Fiddlers and currently serves as artistic director for the group. He also tours with actor/musician Jeff Daniels.

The concert begins at 8 p.m. at Stone Arch Arts and Events, 117 S. Ann Arbor St. in Saline. Ticket are $20 for reserved seating, $15 general admission, and $10 for students. They are available at www.MusicUndertheArch.com, by emailing musicunderthearch@hotmail.com, or by calling (734) 316-2118.

In conjunction with the concert, an art exhibit, Celebrating Traditions, will be on display at Stone Arch. Featured artist Meghna Chauhan, a native of India, uses installations and western artistic techniques to interpret the customs, traditions, and philosophies of India, with a focus on the changing lives of women.