Adventures in Cleveland: Allison Bencar and her Band

My husband always teases me for my "adventures," which can involve anything from checking out the latest avant-garde gallery opening to traipsing through unfamiliar streets looking for ethnic delicacies. I will admit that I'm pretty adventurous when it comes to experiencing the city and the people in it. I will engage in conversation with just about anyone and my inquisitive nature always leads me to unique experiences.

For a good example of what I'm talking about, let's go back to my junior year of college. I was assigned to write a press release about Sex, Drugs & Rock and Roll, a collection of monologues written by Eric Borgosian (I had no idea at the time that he was on Law and Order: Criminal Intent - and maybe he wasn't back then), for the University Marketing office, where I was an intern. I went to interview the director, and before I knew it, I had committed to singing in the show, which would feature a live band on a large platform above the stage, and which was opening in about two weeks. Beyond having a great time singing songs way outside my classical comfort zone like Heartbreaker and Deja Vu All Over Again, I also met some great people. 

One of the people I got to know better through the show was Allison Bencar. Allison and I had met in the Cleveland State University Chorus, but we hadn't really had a chance to talk much during rehearsals. While preparing for the show, and during its weekend-long run, we had some time to get acquainted. Allison is one of those girls with an effortless, classic beauty and a vintage sense of style that evokes a sense of graceful beauty, like that of Audrey Hepburn. At first she might seem a little quiet, but as soon as she takes the stage, everyone around her is instantly captivated by her innocent yet sophisticated range of expression. Even my boyfriend at the time couldn't stop talking about her, and I suppose I never really blamed him. She was, well, she is something special.

After the performance, she and I connected via myspace and eventually via facebook. I kept up with her posts as they emerged in my news feed, but we hadn't kept in touch over the years. As fate would have it, we ran into each other at karaoke at Becky's, the requisite watering hole for Cleveland State University's Music, Communication and Theatre Departments, and Allie sang a beautiful rendition of Mazy Star's "Fade Into You." When I saw concert announcements on facebook over the next few months, I knew I had to get out and hear her.

In Summer 2009, Allie was playing in the Beachcliff plaza in Rocky River, and I was determined to finally make it. I asked two of my favorite Cleveland adventurers (and two of my favorite people in general), Paige (@shoesalwaysfit)  and Kate (@kateeidam), to head out with me to hear Allison. I assumed the concert would be in one of the restaurants there, but instead, we saw the band setting up in the parking lot in front of the First Watch. We found a nearby curb, sat down and listened as Allison and her band played a few originals. I must say all of us were impressed with the performance. 

I felt strange being there, among people who were clearly Allie's family and friends, who clearly new all the songs, along with a few shoppers and passers by who heard the music and wandered over. The music was romantic, bluesy and smooth and I was filled with a mixture of pride for my friend who was doing so well and an emotional connection to the music, which I found particularly moving. As Allie began to sing her rendition of Jewel's Foolish Games, she showed a refreshing vulnerability. It was clear that the song had personal meaning to her, and the emotion was palpable as she seemed choked up and overcome with emotion. She made it through the song, but the fact that we had seen something uncommonly beautiful hung in the air even as she moved on to other numbers.

After the performance I walked up to say hello and she greeted me as if we had maintained a close friendship over the years. That's Allison for you. It's been a long time since I've met someone who loves as openly and easily as Allison. She is the kind of person that makes you feel like you can be yourself and be completely accepted and appreciated. We chatted a bit and as I often do when I'm excited, I started telling her that I'd love to take photos of her sometime and maybe help her with some marketing. Then, I mentioned that I also played violin and maybe sometime, if she needed a violinist, I could play with the group.

That's how my adventure five years ago with the Cleveland State University drama department ended with me playing in a band. 

Allison invited me to bring my violin to a few rehearsals to see how I would fit with the band. I like to think we had an instant chemistry. Allison is backed up by some very talented and supportive musicians, all of whom I immediately enjoyed working with. Within a few weeks I had learned the existing string parts for one or two songs, and written parts for all of the other originals in Allison's repertoire. I also picked up small percussion and some back-up vocals. In the past six months I have had the pleasure of supporting Allison at Brother's Lounge (multiple times), The Roc Bar and Cleveland Public Theatre's Pandemonium (among others) as a member of her band. The experience is one I never really expected. I'm a classical singer and violinist (though I did once enter a Scottish Fiddle Competition); I don't really sing or play popular music. Well, I do now.

What an incredible opportunity to be able to stand on stage with Allison, who, if I haven't mentioned it, is an excellent singer and performer, and to headline shows, even if only in local venues thus far. This Saturday night we played a three-hour set at Brother's Lounge in Cleveland after sharing dinner together at the iconic "My Friends Deli and Restaurant." It was a great show and a lot of fun. After the show, Allison invited everyone to celebrate with her and her family in her cozy Lakewood Apartment. As we were sitting in the kitchen while Allie's mom made grilled cheese sandwiches for everyone, and Allie made me a hot cup of tea, I realized yet again how lucky I am to live in Cleveland, a city where people like Allison are making a difference, not only through their art and music, which is abundant here in Cleveland, but through their open, wonderful personalities that have built a strong, vibrant and unrivaled community. 

I can't wait to see where Allison Bencar's career goes, whether I stay on as her violinist or shift back to being a fan. Either way, I know our friendship will continue to be a special part of my life and a testament to my Cleveland adventures!

Thanks for the grilled cheese Allie.... :)

Oh, and if you read this and thought - hey, I want to know more about Allison Bencar... let me share some information. You can visit Allison's Myspace Page, become a fan on her Facebook Fan Page or the Allison Bencar Website, or, sign up to receive Allison Bencar Email Alerts about her concerts (I promise she won't spam you, only good stuff!). So there you have it! 

Comments

[Frances]

Este artículo que cautivó de tal manera que me moví hacia la dirección de Allison Bencar. Disfruté de la gran voz de esta artista y de su música. Gracias Julie, por compartir tus aventuras con nosotros. Te aseguro que viajaré a Cleveland.

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