The Philadelphia Inquirer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Page 84

6-D Thursday, Dec. 17, 1987 The Philadelphia Inquirer 1AKE AN EXTRA a INDUCED vSfc yt V'1' S. Special to The Inquirer ROB CLARK JR. foursome's singersongwriter. v4i tern' 1 1 fl PANTS Innocence Mission is catching on INNOCENCE MISSION, from 1-D ing our own material.

And that's when things really began, and that was about two years ago. 1985, early 86." And things really are happening for this stunningly good quartet, which also includes bassist Mike Bitts and drummer Steve Brown. The former name, Masquerade, fit just right at the Holiday Inn lounge. The present one, the Innocence Mission, conveys both the sense of wondrous naivete in some of Karen's lyrics and the sense of purpose and direction the band possess. During the last year, the group has been a regular presence in the Philadelphia environs, playing the Cabaret circuit (Chestnut, 23 East, Ambler) and South Street haunts such as J.

C. Dobbs. Folks have been won over by Karen's strong, supple voice (Stevie Nicks-meets-Aimee Mann is the dumb but perhaps necessary comparison); by the quartet's economical, inventive instrumentation, and by the sheer originality and emotional power of the songs themselves. Among the ranks of the wonovers are a number of high-profile area DJs WMMR's Cyndi Drue and WYSP's Ed Sciaky and Hooters bassist Andy King. Drue and King recorded pitches for the Innocence Mission on its four-song demo tape, sent to various record companies.

And one of those record companies, signed the band. "They put a big smile on my face," effuses Patrick Clifford, the New York-based executive who inked the Innocence Mission. "I got the demo tape just as I was getting on a plane to go to Stockholm. So 1 flew ovur to Stockholm and I put this tape on, and when I got off the plane I was so crazy about what I'd heard I was thinking, 'I have to find out more about I ran to a pay phone and immediately called New York to talk to their attorney. Only problem: It was still like 4 o'clock in the morning there." Clifford and two other people soon Amtraked down to Philadelphia, where they saw the band in a dinky Center City club.

They were smitten. What was it exactly? "The originality of the songwriting," says Clifford, demonstrating unbridled enthusiasm. "The quality of Karen's vocal quality, her ability to transcend her earthly stature once she gets onstage, and also the blending of the other members of the band into what I think is just one focused band. "It's like where four people become SIZES 16Wto26W The Elegant Large Size Discounter 1116 CHESTNUT STREET BETWEEN 11th 12th STREETS. PH: (215) 6' '0 ABINGTON SHOPPING CENTER LONDON RD.

OLD YORK RD INTERSECTION (ADJACENT 10 Bnb MALL AT ONE CORNER GRANT AVE. ROOSEVELT 1) BEHIND EVE LABKIDS Lo Ph 77-6 756 CHERRY HILL FASHION SQUARE OfF BRACE TO DRY GOODS PH: (60?) 7V5-3552 THE ANSWER ACCEPTS VISA, MASTERCARD, LAY-A-WAY. iiS R. fl A. JL Lilt JDLl ia first person, others from a different point of view.

Some of the lyrics are real optimistic and some are a little bit more cynical. There's a tug of war going on between an optimistic child and an adult, and that kind of conflict runs through my work as a whole." That contrast and conflict explain the group's predilection for one of the two cover songs on the current play-list: Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now." The group's sole other non-original, which they perform occasionally, is Neil Young's eerie folk tune "Birds." According to the band and Clifford, there's no set timetable for going into a studio and recording an album. First, they need to find the right producer. Then they have to sift through a considerable song list, selecting 10 or 12 of Innocence Mission's best. And there's all the other stuff: videos, a tour, a promotion campaign that separates the band from a plethora of other rock-and-roll debutantes.

The Innocence Mission is eager to proceed, but not to rush headlong into anything, "We were so young when we started, and coming from Lancaster it was hard because we didn't know anyone," recalls Karen. "When we were playing other people's music, that was really depressing for us. I know we wouldn't have gone on if we had just had to do that. There came a point where we. had to get out of that and just do our own music.

"So now, we're very excited and anxious to get things rolling," she explains. "But we're not going to rush," says Don. "We'll take the time to make the right decisions." FINAL PERFORMANCE! Last Chance to See HAMLET Saturday, December 19 at 8 PM "PLTC's finest hour." Phila. Daily News "Leaves the audience breathless." Dally Local News' People'! Light and Theatre Company Rta. 401, (oft Rts.

30) Malvern, PA 644-3500 OPENING TONIGHT 7 PM. LIVE! ON STAGE! LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS The ott-Sroadway Smash Hit Musical Limited Engagement Tues. Wed -8 PM; Thurs -7PM (NO PERFORMANCE ON XMAS EVE): This PM 50 $24.50 PM. Sat -6 PM 9:30 PM-J24 50 $27 50 Thurs. (New Yrs.

Eve PM-S24 50 4 $27 50 Thurs (New Yrs. Eve Only)-10 50 $3000 Spec. Preview Days Prices-Tomorrow, Tues Wed 50 $17 50 TICKETS MAKE GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS Tlx. at Box Ticketron, Leading Ticket Agencies Of Teletron 24 Hrs. 1-800-233-4050.

Group Discounts, Info and Charge by Pnone (215) 922-1011 THEATRE OF LIVING ARTS 334 South St. (215) 922-1011 LAST 6 PERFORMANCES! A HOLIDAY SPECIAL FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! PHILADELPHIA DRAMA GUILD Philadelphia's major professional theatre Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play THE MIRACLE WORKER BY WILLIAM GIBSON The profoundly moving story ot Helen Keller Annie SuHrvart One of the great stories ot our time Thurs. 1 30 6. Fri. 8 PM Sat 4 8 30 PM, Sun 2 PM Popular Prices Discounts 563-7530 Zellerbach Theatre Annenberg Center 3680 Walnut St.

898-6791 Tonight at 8 M. through December 20 NO STRANGER a new play by Juie Seibo co-produced by Annenberg Center and Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays Tickets; $20. Fn.Sat. eves. IB all other perfs.

Otscounts available ANNENBERQ CENTER-UNIV. OF PA 3680 Walnut SI. Tkhrjlnfo: 898-6791 tonite at 6 Winner best musical 1986! NUNSENSE The Hii Musical Comedy Evenings: Tuesday through Saturday at 8 PM Malmees: Sat at 3 PM Sun at 3 PM Tickets at Box Office, Ticketron or PHONE-A-SEAT (Credit Cards) 216-923-0210 Group Discounts 216-735-5506 Holiday Gift Certlticates Available! SOCIETY HILL PLAYHOUSE $07 S. 8th Straet 923-0210 PERFORMANCE TONIGHT AT 8 PHILEMON A Rousing Musical By Ihe Creators of THE FANTASTICKS "Enormous tasle and inventiveness" Aew York Times "Schmidt's score is dazzling His combination of soaring melody, theatricality musicianship have never been more impressive." rVew Vorrt Post Discounts lor Students Senior Citizens TICKETS $12 18 Tuesday-Friday al 8, Saturday at 5 9, Sunday at 2 THE WILMA THEATER 2030 Smom SL (OH MttenhouM Sq.) Bo 9634345 TONIGHT AT 8 PM! HELD OVER BY POPULAR DEMAND! SEX TIPS FOR MODERN GIRLS A Musical Comedy Evenings: Thurs Fri. Sal.

at 8 PM Matinee: Sun, at 3 PM Tickets al Box Office. Ticketron or PHONE-A-SEAT (Credit Cards) (215) 923-0210 Group Discounts (215) 735-5505 SECOND SPACE THEATRE at SOCIETY HILL PLAYHOUSE 507 S. 8th St. 923-0210 FINAL WEEKI Have you seen Freedom Theatre's Simply Evenly yet? SIMPLY HEAVENLY "A Romantic Slice ot Harlem in the 50 By Langston Hughes It's "Simply Heavenly" says first lady. Veima Goode "Musical not to be missed." Regaie LaVong, WHAT Thurs.

7:30 PM, Fri 8 PM, Sat 2 8 PM. Sun. 3 PM FREEDOM THEATRE 1346 N. Broad St. Ph.

Chrg. (VluMC) 765-2793 Karen Peris, the Lancaster one personality." Karen, 24, Don, 23, Brown, 23, and Bitts, 22, attribute their musical focus to their Masquerade-ing days, and the affinity that comes from five years of working, traveling and playing together. "There's a real understanding between all of us," says Don. "We're very compatible." To date, Innocence Mission's recorded output has been limited to one self-financed EP, Tending the Rose Garden (LUST Records), released last year, and to numbers the band has recorded for demo tapes. One composition, "Shadows," was recently recorded by Amy Grant Standouts in the group's repertoire are plentiful.

"Black Sheep Wall" has a lyrical hook do you keep coming that's downright inescapable. "Big Wide World" has a Beatle-ish edge to it (Revolver, Sgt. Pepper period) and a celebratory spirit that's driven home with an assertive marchlike backbeat. "Come Around and See Me" is something rare in a rock song: a poignant, precisely drawn sketch of a lonely grandmother. "Hooray for Amelia" is also unique in the realm of standard cars-and-girls rock fare: It's the story of a plucky little child, brimming with life.

Karen cites as her early influences the Beatles and James Taylor; now, she favors Peter Gabriel, British songstress Kate Bush and the new LP by The Band's Robbie Robertson (Gabriel and Robertson's producer, Daniel Len-ois, is high on the Innocence Mission's wish list of producers). "There's a real contrast in my songs," notes Karen. "Some are in the UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS AND GROUP MOTION Present "Diary ot Justyna" and "Artificial Paradise" Thurs. Fn Dec. 17 18 at 7:00 P.M.

Admission $5 00 SHUBERT THEATRE 250 S. Broad St. kilo: 928-1495, 875-2269 p'WAUjl'. WW lir IF lW1ajnl "PI CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA SEAN DEIBLER. ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Saturday.

December 19 at 8 30 PM Tickets: $10 MUSIC FOR THE HOLIDAYS Works By RUTTER. GABRIEL), BfETHOVEN M0ART SHAW, RACHMANINOFF. VICTORIA GRETCHANINOFF MFSSIAEN CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY 19th A Walnut Sta. Into: 545-8634 CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA SEAN DEIBLER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Sunday, December 20 at 3 00 PM Tickets: $10 MUSIC FOR THE HOLIDAYS Works by RUTTER, GABRIEL) BEETHOVEN. MOZART.

SHAW, RACHMANINOFF, VICTORIA, GRFTCHANINOFF MfSSIAFN WAYNE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 210 S. Wayne Ave. Into: 545-8634 THE PHILADELPHIA SINGERS Michael Korn, Artistic Dtrectof present CHRISTMAS ON LOGAN SQUARE Holiday Family Favorites Sunday. December 20 at 2 30 PM General Admission: $15 ST. CLEMENT'S CHURCH 20th A Ctwry SU.

Info: 732-3370 Young Audiences Provident National Bank Present SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Dec. I9al 11:30 am -Free Museum Admission with CONTEMPORARY BRASS QUINTET and OPERA WORKSHOP Complete with sing-along of traditional favorites PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART 26th A Parkway Info: 977-7707 WW 1 December 27-30 AVNER THE ECCENTRIC Family Fun tor all ages! Hilarious comedyl Astonishing uggling! Feats of Balance! Incredible magic! Performances at 2PM 7PM, Sunday-Wednesday Halt-price lor children students, $7.60 Regular price. $15 ANNENBERQ CENTER Urrtv, ot Pl, 3600 Wamut St Ttcholrila (9M791 TONITE AT GET THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT! A taithful retelling ol the gospel according to Matthew and John as a bluegrass-lolk musical by Harry ChapinTom KeyRussell Treyz COTTON PATCH GOSPEL Now thru Dec 20 in Studio bTickets Tues -Sat, 8 PMSat. 2 PMSun 2 7 PM Churches and Groups get BIG discounts! WALNUT STREET THEATRE 9th ft Walnut St. (215) 574-3586 TODAY AT 2 "People.

People who need people. Are the luckiest people in the world Tony Award Winning HOLIDAY MUSICAL COMFDY! LIVE ONSTAGE a holtday treat for the entire family! Lovable, lunny Fanny Bnce played by Rosalind Harris fn the Jute StyneBob Merrill Isobel Lennart Broadway hit musical FUNNY GIRL Now to Jan. 3Hurry! Tickets horn Special holiday performances! FESTIVE New Year's Eve show and party! Holiday Office Parties of 12 or more get Group Rates of 30-40-50 off! TIX AT BOX OFFICE. TICKETRON or PHONECHARGE 574-3586 WALNUT STREET THEATRE COMPANY 9th A Walnut 8ta. (215) 574-3588 TONIGHT AT PM' "upbeat and heartwarming The Courier Times "a breath of fresh, seasonal air." The Trentonitin Direct From OH-Broartway Henry's Timeless Classic GIFTS OF THE MAGI Adapted by Mark St Germain and Randy Courts Now thru January 2 Extended Due lo Popular Demand! Tues lo Fri 8 PM Sat 5 9 PM.

Sun 3 PM Also 1216. 1223. 1229. 1230 at 2 PM Soectal Group and Subscription Rates Available THE BRISTOL RIVERSIDE THEATRE 120 Radcllffa Bristol, PA 215-788-7827 Kmi Ml.lJfl priced from $1 to S38. All 1 1 Mil Superior quality tree 50purewhiteor multi-colored bulbil, $'J redbulbK, )ly reg.

sale $6.50, 1 Save 30 on all christmas items. Yield House has everything you need to give your home a warm, festive look for the holidays: silk poinsettias, special ornaments, wreaths and garlands, Christmas linens, tree skirts, our exclusive pure white and multi-colored tree lights, and all sorts of special holiday gifts and accessories. If it looks like Christmas (excepting our Buyer's Choice carolers), its on sale right now at 30 off. AnH vnn'11 finH many unadvertised specials throughout the store. It's our Before Christ' mas After-Christmas Sale "4' fe' I A place mals, 1 i GOOD SfcA TS SI ILL AVAILABLE i Pargnlsr Make Sure Your Children Don Mtss PENNSYLVANIA BALLET'S ALL NEW MILLION DOLLAR PRODUCTION THE NUTCRACKER Now through January 2 2 Addilional Performances Jan 3 al 2 PM 7 PM Tickets $45.

S33. S30. $19. $9 ACADEMY OF MUSIC Brand 4 Locust Sti. Tlx: Ph.

Chrg: T3S-5366 Northeast Philadelphia Cultural Council presents THE TOY SHOP A magical lantasy lor age 5 4 up (not about Christmas) Dec. 18 at 10 30 a m. 12 30 p.m. Dec. 19 al 1 100 am 2.00 p.m.

Admission: $2 at door (located on grounds ol Phila State Hospital) SOUTHAMPTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS FUREY ELLIS AUDITORIUM Southampton Rd, W. o( RooveM Blvd. 6864592 i iUlt ii i CHERRY HILL COMEDY CABARET The Sensational Musical Comedy ol BIG DADDY GRAHAM Chris Rich Ralph Harris Showlimes Fn. 930 Sat. 8 30 10:45 M.

Circles Cabaret In Hyatt Cherry Hill Rt.TOi Cuthbert NJ Reg. (609) 665-6M1 THE 'HOT COME0V CLUB STITCHES Presenls RICH GAGLIARDI and NORM KLAR Hosted By PAT O'DONNELL Showtimes-Fn 9 1130PMSat 8 16 10 45 PM Located Above VINNIE'S RESTAURANT Phw a PhBmoBl, Hunt. Valtey RetVlnfoSM-rrW South Jersey I Comedy Club MITCHELL'S COMEDY CAFE Presents LEGENDARY WID JIM CARROLL DAVID P. HARDY Friday 10 PM. Saturday 8:15 PM 10:46 PM MITCHELL'S COMEDY CAFE 5 W.

Broad Palmyra, NJ (609) 829-3161 APPEARING FRI Dec. 18 19! THE COMEDY WORKS PHILLY'S SHOWPLACE OF AMERICA TOP COMEDY TALENT presents MARK SHIFF TOOD GLASS RON GALLOP Showtimes Fn, 8 30 11PM. Sat 8 00 11PM. Wed. Open Staqe Nile-Sign up 1 30-8Showtime 8 30 PM Thurs Philiy's Comedy Showcase 9 PM "Philly Best Comedy Club "-Pnria Magazine THE COMEOY WORKS ia Chestnut SI.

(top Middle Dujl W-H-C-K-Y 17 UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS SCHOOL OF DANCE Presents WINTER CONCERT Thurs. Fn Dec 17 18 al 9 00 PM Gen. Admission $4 00. Stu Sen $2.00 SHUBERT THEATRE 250 S. Broad St.

Info: 875-2269 RESERVE NOW FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES CHICAGO Matinees from 16 95 Evenings from 19 95 GRCW IP niSCOl INTS AVAILABl GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE RIVERFRONT DINNER THEATRE Dolawara Ave. at Poplar Phlla. 925-7000 Giassboro Stale College Celebrity Concert Series A CHRISTMAS CAROL Sat Dec 19 at 2 30 and 7 30 PM Orch $10 Mezz $7 50 (Children $7 and $5) WILSON CONCERT HALL Olimboro, NJ Call (609) 863-7388 iiwi'ru3TriHi fume iifipnaf, tnciuuinjf ia we ciui1.1, riirr, napkins and napkin rings regularly boxed candles, including red and green, are 20 off. All candleholders in brass, ceramic siMeld House We can make a home. Cherry Hill Mall (upppr level near J.C Penney), Cherry Hill, NJ, (609) 488-6366.

lOam-lOpm Mon-Sat; llam-6pm Sun. Kchelon Mall, lower level, exit 32 off 1-295, Voorhees, NJ, (609) 772-070O. Warn-lOpm Mon-Sun. Burlington Mall, exit 5 off 1-295, 4501 Burlington-Mt. Holly Burlington, (609) 387-1666.

10am-10pm Mon-Sat; 12pm-6pm Sun. Plymouth Meeting Mall, lower level, Plymouth Meeting, PA, (215) 834-1133. 9.30am- Mon-Sat; 10am-10pm Sun. In store quantities limited. Select inn varies by store.

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