Sirens to perform at Rome’s next week
May 1, 2002
Amber Cunningham just might be the missing link for Sirens.
When Donna Creighton and Jo-Ann Lawton needed a new member to round out the three-member group in 2001, they settled on the eight-year member of the Amabile Youth Singers—a choral group in London, Ont.—after a nine-month search. The two senior members couldn’t be happier with Cunningham’s addition for a variety of reasons—ranging from the texture of her voice to a commitment to dedicate herself to the group and a tremendous sense of fun. That was the clincher,
said Creighton of the latter skill. She makes us laugh (through intense periods of work with the group).
Sirens performs next Friday at Upstairs at Rome’s.
On the set list is about 10 new songs which are being considered for the band’s third album, due out late this fall. It follows their 1997 self-titled debut and 1999’s Smilin’. With recording expected to start in August, this disc marks the first time the group has collaborated on each title. With so many musical influences—ranging from Joan Baez, Ella Fitzgerald and Bjork—and life experiences amongst the trio, it’s an approach Sirens is glad to have taken.
It’s extra excitement in the creation process,
said Creighton. I think it makes the writing process go faster.
Female trios following in the wake of The Andrews Sisters or the Pointer Sisters are rare because many women have other responsibilities that make it difficult for them to commit to a group for five-to-10 years to become established, said Cunningham. But she suggests in the months following a series of terrorist attacks in the United States last September, audiences want groups that demonstrate creativity—and not just a heavy dose of pyrotechnics and flashy dancers on stage. Our desire is to impact peoples’ lives,
she said. All of us are in this because our love of music is to the level where we wouldn’t be whole people if we weren’t doing this all the time.
Tickets are $20 for dinner and the show and $10 for the concert only. They are on sale at the customer service desk at Rome’s. Show time is 7 p.m.
Sirens plays Wawa at Naturally Superior Adventures on May 3 as part of the Rock Island House Concert Series. Tickets are $10 at the gate. Call 856-2939 for more information.