Spotlight Series: Dana Fuchs

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Powerhouse vocalist Dana Fuchs brings her raspy blues-rock vocals to Levitt AMP Ocala tomorrow night. The edgy singer/songwriter is known and beloved for her electric stage presence and heartfelt, compelling albums, many of which are dedicated to late loved ones. Born in New Jersey and raised in Wildwood, Fla.—where she performed as a child in a Baptist Choir—Fuchs always knew she wanted to broaden her horizons and make the leap to The Big Apple. She made her dream a reality when she packed her bags and moved to New York City at 19 to pursue a singing career. It was there that she formed and fronted the soulful, rocking Dana Fuchs Band, which gained a reputation as one of the best blues acts in the city’s music scene.

Today, audiences might recognize this multitalented artist’s strong and distinctive voice from her leading roles in the off-Broadway tribute musical, Love, Janis, and the Golden Globe-nominated film, Across the Universe (2007).

Her riveting performances with the Dana Fuchs Band impressed Lower East Side clubbers—including band members of the off-Broadway show, Love, Janis, who urged Fuchs to audition for the show. Fuchs took their advice and secured the lead role as the iconic blues legend, Janis Joplin. The musical ran from 2001 to 2003, presenting more than 700 shows before concluding at the Village Theater. Catch Fuchs’ tribute to the late Janis Joplin below.

The acclaimed director, Julie Taymor, was introduced to Fuchs by a Love, Janis producer. One year after creating a demo, Fuchs was cast as Sadie in the film, Across the Universe, which centers on songs by The Beatles. After describing the film experience as a “dream,” Fuchs was faced with a challenging decision: move to L.A. to audition for movie roles, or stay in New York, and hit the road as a solo performer. Spoiler: she chose music. Check out Fuchs’ performance of “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Beatles in this powerful scene from Across the Universe.

Today, Fuchs is the proud mother of 9-month-old Aidan, preparing for the release of her highly anticipated solo album, Ready to Rise, and touring internationally in support of the record. If you’re in the Ocala area, be sure to come on down to the Levitt AMP Ocala stage tomorrow night at 8pm for a rockin’ time!

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