5.6. SR 07-15-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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;ured tist of the onth: Rena Haus Folk and blues artist Rena Haus, who composed and performed the song What's the Difference? for the Elk River Area Arts Alliance's show of the same name, has re- cently returned to her home town, St. Michael, from Phoenix, Arizona. It is Phoenix's loss and our fortunate gain. Rena comes from a musical family. Growing up she sang in church and says that "we always sang around the house and harmonized all the time." Her mother was a professional musician who encouraged creativity in her entire family and helped Rena polish a vocal style which many compare with that of the late Billie Holiday. "1 love it when I get this one group of little old ladies who follow me around because they just love Billie Holliday. For them, the sassier the music, the better. So I tend to hit on that, just like the old blues women like Ma Rainey and Memphis Minnie. That style has a bit more of a 'strong woman' attitude behind it," she says. Singing and composing are not her only talents, Rena also plays guitar, mandolin and banjo. Influences on her style include Bessie Smith, Muddy Waters, Reverend Gary Davis, the Beatles, Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, and Joan Baez. She comments, "1 love the story telling ability of these artists and their simple musical forms which make the stories relevant to huge demographics of American society." She adds that they were civic minded, articulate, creative people who have been honored but remained humble. "When I listen to them, I know I'm not alone. These are my people." Rena has released a solo album, Beer to Go, which includes recordings of her work made over an eight-year period. Her single, Mechanics Tune was previewed on National Public Radio's Car Talk. Her tape Tales of the Desert features twelve original songs in a variety of styles ranging from rock and reggae to country and blues. While in Arizona she was featured on cable TV show Blues Spotlight, and performed with blues harmonica master Hans Olson and legendary blues drummer Chico Chism on KJXX's tenth anniversary broadcast of Those Low Down Blues. In addition, she guested on KZON's Studio Z in a one-hour special featuring her original music. Rena is also a visual artist who designed posters for Arizona's Earth Day celebrations. She works with air brush, pen and ink, and hand paints as well. She has also given lectures and demonstrations about the blues mots of popular music to school-aged students. Rena personifies new emerging solo artists like Tracey Chapman and Nancy Griffith who have something important to say and say it with style, originality, and soulful finesse. CD's of her piece What's the Difference? and other work are available for purchase, see page 3 for Rena's "What's the Difference" verse. WatchI [or the next issue of The £ddy for information resardin~ a fabulous three- part Concert Series planned in collaboration with the ERAAA, Central Lutheran Church, and the Arts Masnet Pro,ram in celebration of the ~ openin~ of the new 850 seat auditorium at Elk River Area High School!' Newsletter of the Elk River Area Arts Council, July and August 2002, Edition Number 40 pa~e 2