by Jessica Perkins

January 3, 2012

Sunny Sweeney Takes Center Stage at Clemens

With a classic country style and a touch of southern charm, Sunny Sweeney brings new life and a new love to Paducah’s country music fans when she makes her first appearance at the Clemens Fine Art Center on January 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the West Kentucky Community and Technical College.

Sweeney’s mix of classic country sound and down to earth lyrics invite audiences to remember the pain of love lost and the joy of love found. Based in Austin, TX, Sweeney writes and sings songs from her heart. The inspiration for her lyrics comes from her own experiences and the stories of those she meets along the way. Audiences will find something in her music that they can relate to.

“I am inspired everyday by old country music. I love the stories that make people think,” said Sweeney.

And this young artist will certainly cause her audiences to think twice about love and romance.

Starting her career as a comedian, Sweeney only recently transitioned into country music. With hard work, she managed to charm country audiences and ultimately record producers.

“When I was starting out, I just played anywhere bar owners would let me set up,” said Sweeney. “Some gigs were five hours and I was totally just background music for the guys in the back of the bar. But I would take some shots with them, and by the end of the night I had them (all three of them) moved up to the front, by the stage, singing along to old country covers.”

She’s come a long way since that time. This Republic Nashville recording artist hit both the Country Billboard and Media List charts in 2011 with three songs, From a Table Away, Staying’s Worse Than Leaving, and Drink Myself Single. She co-wrote seven of the ten songs on her latest album, Concrete.

Sweeney’s audiences will enjoy her brassy voice and her retro country style. With five of her latest album’s songs released earlier this year as a digital EP, she has also impressed country music fans when touring with Brad Paisley on his summer 2011 tour.

Opening the night with Sweeney is newcomer, Eric Pasley (left), with an acoustic solo set. His debut single, Never Really Wanted, has gained popularity among country fans across the country.

This is a show country music fans will not want to miss. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and children.  For tickets or information, visit www.artsinfocus.org or call 270.534.3212.