Ryne Clarke CD Release Concert at Sound Check in Lowell
Originally published in Lowell's First Look.
Ryne Clarke Releases a CD, “Cheers” at Sound Check.
Disclaimer #1: Yours truly has been a fan of Ryne Clarke and all of his musical permutations for many years. Lowell faculty member Lindsay Bredin gave me a copy of one of the CDs he recorded with his first band, The Preservers to prime the pump. My musical mind was blown when I first heard them perform on the Riverwalk – three juniors (Clarke-vocals and guitar, Jeremy Kargl-lead guitar, Corinna Wenger-bass) with a freshman (Patrick Kargl) on the drums. Just when I was considering hanging up my jewelry hat and becoming a full time manager of the band to take the world by storm, college broke them up.
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| Ryne Clarke onstage with Jeremy Kargl, bass; Clarke; Cole Smith, drums; Kristine Clarke, Flute; Joe Schimmelmann, keyboards. |
The Preservers are no longer an item, but Clarke has not slowed down a bit in his pursuit of indie rock star status (inside joke referencing one of his songs). These days one had better strap in for a ride if one wants to keep pace with Clarke. He works at Lowell Arts, runs the sound and video board at Lowell United Methodist Church and the Sound Check with his wife Kristine, does sound for the Sizzlin Concerts, books talent for Sound Check, oversees the Music Committee at Lowell Arts, hosts open mic nights at various venues in the area, plays and records with more than one band, AND records and produces many other local musicians at his studio. Whew – my fingers got tired, just documenting what he does.
One of my favorite aspects of all things Clarke is that he is, for the most part, a self taught musician. IIRC it all started when he was given an accordion by his grandmother. In the years that followed he has expanded his abilities to play a wide variety of musical instruments. Did I mention he has a sense of humor? Read the liner notes of one of his CD’s and you will find the identity of the person playing a drill on it.
Speaking of liner notes, once upon a time we were given the opportunity to write liner notes for a Clarke CD. We pegged him as the King of Collaborators to celebrate his wide open approach to working with, truly appreciating, and promoting other local musicians. Many artists of all disciplines can come up short when it comes to acknowledging or appreciating other artists. Not Clarke – he is a non-stop promoter of other local bands and/or musicians.
His genuine affection for other musicians has served him well. He is never at a loss for people to play with and for and the kick off for his new CD, “Cheers”, drove that point home. He was joined onstage by a nice selection of local talent. His wife sang and played flute, Kargl was there on bass as well as lead guitar, Cole Smith sang and played drums, Joe Schimmelmann plays sax, keyboards, and bass. This core group played the new CD all the way through during the first section of the show. “Cheers” is an easy to listen to collection of upbeat music, we especially appreciated how well the flute and sax fit into the songs. Everyone who attended the show went home with a copy. How cool is that?
“For the first set when we played the album, it was probably the first time since 2017 that one of my albums was performed with the people who played on the record,” Clarke remarked. “No more, no less.”
Sound Check was packed for "Cheers".
The second part of the show found LHS alum, Mitchell Evink, making a guest appearance on bass. One of the songs they played that night was about Mr. Evink – Clarke had some fun with his musical friend when he introduced the tune “Motorcycle Mitch”. The second part featured Clarke in yet another band he is a part of, “The Spuddies.” They are more of a jam band with a much heavier sound than can be found on “Cheers”.
Clarke also took the time to promote an upcoming show with the Lowell based band, Four More Shapes. Cole Smith is the drummer for that band along with Alex Hallandal, Clementia Kelly, and Gavin McDonnell. Clarke will join Four More Shapes at Soundcheck on Friday May 9th for the kick off of their debut CD: “Foam.”
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Sound Check is a great place to meet and enjoy the music of local talented people. There are two more shows left this season. Four More Shapes on May 9th and then guitar wizard Austin Benzing will close out the season on Saturday May 17th at 7 pm.
While we are on the subject of shows at Sound Check, Clarke has been working with the Music Committee at Lowell Arts and he has a great line up for more shows there for the 2025/2026 Season. He takes the recommendations of the Committee and books the bands. There will be two shows a month on Saturday nights at 7 pm from November 2025 thru April of 2026. Once the schedule is finalized and contracts are signed, you will be able to find out who is playing at Lowell Arts or by checking with Sound Check. In addition to solo performers and bands, there will be a couple of nights featuring a rotating selection of people sharing their music. We heard rumors of open mic style events in the works as well – stay tuned.
Did we remember to mention Clarke has also lined up all the bands for the Fallasburg Festival in the fall? The line up will be available to peruse when all the details of the Festival get posted. Ryne is one busy guy and the local music scene benefits from all of his efforts.
Ryne and Kristine Clarke making music.
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