Folk-rock singer songwriter Melissa
Ferrick will perform a free concert, spotlighting the acclaim of Freedom, her latest album, and kick off Penn State's National Coming Out Day at 8 tonight in the HUB Auditorium.
Ferrick, 31, represents a mixed-drink of artists including Melissa Etheridge, Ani DiFranco, Bonnie Raitt, Bjork and Dave Matthews, according to Ashley Matthews, head of publicity at What Are Records?, Ferrick's recording label.
The resulting taste, however, offers a variety of flavors.
"Her vibe caters to feminine expression," Matthews said. Whether she's ripping on her acoustic and electric guitars or crooning lullabies, Ferrick "can go from completely rough to completely sweet and childlike."
"She's folk with funk," said Jennifer Storm, social director of the Lambda Student Alliance. Storm (junior-rehabilitation education) expects a full house tonight. The 378 seats will go first come, first served.
Tonight's show serves the fruits of a very personal album that Ferrick has toured relentlessly behind. In comparison to her previous two records, 1998's Everything I Need, and Melissa Ferrick +1, released in 1997, her current album sports a more homegrown feel, and for good reason.
Produced for about $5,000 with bassist Marika Tjelios (Men Without Hats), a drum machine and a 4-track multi-recorder, Matthews said the 11-track album's popularity has skyrocketed.
"It gives you a taste of what she's like live," said Matthews, "which is really the best way to see Melissa."
Since Freedom's release, Ferrick won Outstanding Female Singer Songwriter at the 2000 Boston Music Awards and 1999 Album of the Year from the Gay and Lesbian American Music Association.
In addition, the Massachusetts native contributed a live version of "Everything I Need," the title track from her second album, to The Respond Project, a benefit album for women and child victims of domestic violence.
Billboard Magazine crowned The Respond Project album of the year.
Ferrick's sexuality is an essential component in her music.
"While she doesn't promote her sexuality," Matthews said, "she doesn't hide behind it."
Instead, Ferrick's music serves as an outlet for the scope of every lover's emotions. Erotic, playful, angry and poignant, her moving lyrics are creatively detailed while affording the listener ample room for personal interpretation.
According to Moore, a member of the LBGTA Support Network, National Coming Out Day was officially yesterday, but due to fall break, Penn State will celebrate tomorrow with a rally on the steps of Old Main. Ferrick's appearance serves as a primer for the campus rally.
Two student acts, Eric Himan and Andy Moore will open for Ferrick.
Folk rock/pop artist Moore (senior-philosophy) will cover lead vocals and rhythm guitar along with Greg Recco (graduate student-philosophy) on lead guitar and background vocals and Amy Wendling (graduate student-philosophy) on background vocals. Their brief gig will include original works and two surprise covers.
Moore has been a Ferrick follower for several years. After hearing her music at a friend's place, Moore bought all three records. "She can integrate the new pop electric sound with her acoustic guitar," said Moore.
With about 10 years of mileage under her belt, Ferrick's performances are noted for their intimate audience interaction. Tonight's performance spotlights Ferrick, Tjelios and recent addition Brian Winton on drums. Always accessible to the crowd, Matthews said Ferrick would be available after the show to sign albums and converse with the crowd.
