Clique brings the funk, and more
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Who's got the funk?
In the Sandusky area, there's only one answer, local band Clique.
"We're an old school R&B cover band," said drummer Jerold Johnson, who graduated from Sandusky High School in 1987. "Anywhere from Aretha Franklin and Earth, Wind & Fire to Kool & The Gang, Stephanie Mills, Cameo, Temptations. We do it all."
He added, "There aren't any around. We're really the only R&B band out of this area. As far as Sandusky, Huron, Norwalk, Toledo, we're one of the only R&B bands who do old school music."
Formed six years ago, Clique performs roughly 50 shows annually. However, the majority of those dates were outside of the area. That is until recently, when the hometown audience finally took notice of this groove-oriented five-piece.
"You know what, actually our biggest reception is in Huron," Johnson said. "We have a big following there. And lately we did a benefit at The Pump and people just took to us. It was the first time in Sandusky that we got such a reception. We don't really play around here too much, and it was phenomenal.
"Obviously we're doing a lot better job nowadays. We're not having any more drama in the band, and the music is a lot tighter. We're a lot more professional."
Johnson said much of that drama came from a revolving door of musicians. Today, with the line-up solidified and tight as ever, Clique is firing on all cylinders to old school tunes and even more recent material, such as Afroman's "Because I Got High" and Mary J. Blige's "Family Affair."
"It's just straight-up dance music," said Johnson, who works as a laborer during the day. "We're very energetic, and we have great singers in our band. And we have a phenomenal guitar player."
For Johnson, performing live music is transcendent.
"I just love music," Johnson said. "When I'm playing those drums, I'm in a world all by myself. All of my worries are gone. I'm not thinking about child support or my rent or how much gas is in my car. I'm just happy. The music just settles me down and makes me feel good."
Obviously the audience is getting the same sense of enjoyment and release, which is why Johnson hopes plenty of folks attend Clique's upcoming free Dec. 15 show at The Pump Bar & Grille in Perkins Township.
Said Johnson, "If you want to have a good time and dance, party and have fun, just come listen to the old school R&B with Clique."
Clique
WHEN: 9:30 p.m., December 15
WHERE: The Pump Bar & Grille, Strub Road and Ohio 4, Perkins Township
COST: Free
INFO: 419-621-1041 or myspace.com/thepumpbarandgrille
John Benson once tried the funk, but recently decided to just give up. E-mail him at jbenson@funcoast.com.
