The Black Cat Gets Lucky

When the Black Cat crossed Double Phelix the first time five years ago, it was hardly a case of bad luck.

June 8, 2014

The Black Cat Concert Series, held at the Dhaseleer Events Barn in Charlevoix, has presented Americana, roots, folk, and rock music in unique surroundings for nine summers.

Now, Kalamazoo recording artists Double Phelix Sound Showcase are bringing their unique sound once again to the barn’s stage, turning the 140-year-old property into a psychedelic, rockin’ feast for the ears.

ADMIRATION SOCIETY

According to owner Carl Dhaseleer, Black Cat Concerts and Double Phelix are a natural fit. The barn, with its hardwood floor and country atmosphere, brings extra depth and audio warmth to any concert. Double Phelix puts a heavy focus on analog recording, with its equally layered, retro tones.

So the sounds mesh well, as do Dhaseleer and Double Phelix’s Graham Parsons. "Graham is an amazing talent that has performed here many times, always with a fresh sound," Dhaseleer said. "And he brings along extraordinary songwriters, sound engineers, and performers."

Parsons reflects the good feelings. "I love Carl and his family," Parsons said.

"The farm and barn are just beautiful; I’ve been playing there for five summers in a row, and it’s one of my favorite stops of the year."

MUSIC COMMUNITY

Dhaseleer started the concert series to bring community, tourism, and the arts out to his farm nine years ago. Soon, he and his wife Cornelia expanded the barn to accommodate the live music they found themselves booking, as more artists found out about the unique venue.

Meanwhile, Double Phelix evolved when Parsons met Andy Catlin, the orchestra’s coowner, at an open mic show. Before long, they were using the open mic’s basement to record many Michigan-based artists, among them Seth Bernard and Frontier Ruckus.

Double Phelix emerged onto the scene, as did the showcase events.

"The open mic connected all of us musically," Parsons said. "The place was such an incredible hub of energy and talent."

Parsons, who is now frontman of a band called The Go Rounds and a solo artist in his own right, will be performing at the Black Cat show, he said.

ECLECTIC OPPORTUNITY

In addition to Parsons, musicians WailSharq, Gitis Baggs, and Fiona Dickinson will perform, plus a few surprises.

Parsons favors a mix of prog-rock and soul, while WailSharq is a blues-rock artist. Baggs, also a member of Parsons’ Go Rounds band, has an ambient country-folk thing going on, while Dickinson’s dark artrock is getting her attention.

It’s a terrific chance to see a truly diverse range of artists, Carl Dhaseleer said.

"I especially look forward to seeing the look of joy on peoples’ faces after a performance," he said. "Live music has that effect on people, myself included."

As for Parsons, there’s nothing like shooting a little post-concert hoop.

"The food is always great, and inevitably we end up playing basketball and singing songs all night long in the barn," Parsons said. "I have so many fond memories of this great venue."

The Double Phelix Sound Showcase is performing on Thurs., June 19 at 8pm at the Dhaseleers’ farm, 15794 Paddock Rd. in Charlevoix. For more, visit blackcatconcerts. com or call (231) 675-7768.