By Marilyn Delk |
Lisa Biales is a name not at all unfamiliar to Darke County Center for the Arts patrons; Lisa has been performing in our community almost since DCCA’s beginning. My first memory of hearing her lovely voice was in harmony with another outstanding female singer, Sarah Goslee Reed, in the duo Prairie Orchid, who took their songs to local schools as part of DCCA’s Arts In Education program. I still recall the haunting beauty of their “Owl Moon,” based on the children’s book of the same name, that entranced and entertained local primary students—and motivated them to read the charming book.
Another fondly remembered event occurred when DCCA chartered a van which took a load of Darke Countians to Lisa’s current home near Oxford, a home complete with an acoustically perfect performance/recording studio where, after enjoying an amazing carry-in meal attended by Lisa’s local friends and neighbors as well as numerous others we heard Lisa in concert with some of her talented friends. Or maybe you recall one of Lisa’s performances in DCCA’s Coffee House Series, singing at Montage and usually bringing along at least one of those talented friends to perform along with her. Or perhaps you attended when Lisa opened DCCA’s Artists Series at St. Clair Memorial Hall a few years ago.
If you are one of those fondly remembering any of the events mentioned above, then you probably do not need to continue reading this column; in all probability, you have had your tickets for Lisa Biales’ upcoming concert at Hotel Versailles on Thursday, February 13 ever since the show was announced late last summer. But for those not already familiar with singer/songwriter Lisa Biales, read on to learn more about her talents—as well as to have your appetite whetted by the menu announced by Silas for the meal which will accompany this bounty of delights.
FYI–The menu includes roasted King’s checken with seasonal pesto, braised short ribs with Bordelaise sauce, homestyle mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, accompanied by Sycamore Bridge salad featuring mixed greens, blueberries, aged, cheddar, candied pecans topped with honey champagne vinaigrette, house milk bread with honey sea salt butter followed by a dessert of tasty cheesecake bites. This bounteous buffet will be available from 5:30 till 7 p.m., with Lisa’s music starting at 7 p.m.
Lisa will be joined by frequent collaborator, violinist and musical chameleon Doug Hamilton; a classically trained musician, the impressively talented fiddler is drawn to the improvisatory styles of folk, blues, and jazz, and spent many years touring with country music artists Barbara Mandrell,Tricia Yearwood, and Reba McEntire. Doug is known to add color and verve to any musical endeavor he undertakes.
But, back to the star of the show, Lisa Biales. Growing up in a family of musicians, Lisa says, “Ive been singing forever; I was probably born singing.” Taught to play the guitar by her brother, Lisa sang at her church, filled in at the breaks of her father’s Dixieland band when he played at LeSourdsville, and during high school was in a band playing gigs almost every weekend, getting paid as a singer for the first time at age 13. “My intention is to make people feel good. It’s my gift that I feel I’m supposed to share with people,’” she states sincerely.
Known for her crystal pure, sweet but strong voice, fascinating percussive guitar work, and vivid songwriting imagery, Lisa released her first album in 1999; her most recent, Lisa Biales at Christmas, came out last November. Her versatility is only matched by her ernormous talent; you will definitely hear something you like when Lisa Biales performs.
Tickets for dinner and the show are $75; to get yours contact DCCA at 937-547-0908 or on-line at darkecountyarts.org. Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with your sweetie or simply enjoying a sparkling night out in dreary February, you are sure to be glad you spent time with this warm-hearted, talented woman who was born to sing.