There are some things that just seem to go together: Peas and carrots. Snow and ice. Detroit and the automobile industry. Czechoslovakia and bluegrass music?
While the two may not sound like a match made in heaven, bluegrass and Czechoslovakian band Fragment returns to Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce’s Concerts in the Park series July 1.
Back after an overwhelming response following last year’s performance, Fragment promises to put on a diverse and high energy show.
‘Normally we don’t ask a band back the following year, but we were bombarded with phone calls. People really enjoyed Fragment and their high energy. It’s amazing how well they do American folk music,? said Clarkston Chamber of Commerce Event Planner Terri Bendes.
The five-member band focuses primarily on American bluegrass, but dabbles in folk and country as well. Those familiar with the bluegrass sound will enjoy a seasoned band recognized worldwide.
Members of the band include: Henrich Novak, guitar; Milan Marek, mandolin; Jana Dolakova, lead vocals and bass; Richard Viliam, banjo; and Tomas Jurena, guitar.
Tom Laing, who is the contact for Fragment in this area, compared Dolakova’s vocals to contemporary country star Alison Krauss.
A range of high energy songs to heart-wrenching ballads can be expected during a Fragment performance.
‘They sing a lot of standard American songs and some originals. The audience almost always asks for one song in their native tongue and really enjoys it,? said Laing. ‘There’s a good variety from gospel to hard-working bluegrass ballads. You can’t pinpoint one particular style with this band.?
Fragment is a band influx since 1983, seeing many musicians and musical styles over the last 22 years. Since 1999, the band has toured the United States performing at events like Bill Monroe’s Festival in Bean Blossom, Indiana, and at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Since 1994, Fragment has recorded five albums.
Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce’s Concerts in the Park series runs July 1, 8, 15 and 22 in Depot Park from 6:30?9:00 p.m. A local band will open for the headliner from 6:30?6:55 p.m.