By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
Dayna Malow is coming to the Niles Summer Concert series.
The Illinois native will be performing at the Riverfront Amphitheater on Sunday, July 13 at 7 p.m.
"In my opinion, the southwest part of Michigan is one of the most beautiful parts in the Midwest," Malow told the Star. While visiting the area, Malow said she, "stumbled across the Fernwood (Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve) and saw they offered concerts during the summertime. I thought to myself, 'this place is so beautiful … I need to play here!'"
Malow, whose last album, 'Tangled Up In You' (2004) was described as "a bit of pop, a bit of folk and a whole lot of country" says she's been influenced by artists such as Alison Krauss, Lucinda Williams and Lynn Miles. The singer-songwriter has made appearances for a myriad of big name artists including Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley and The Doobie Brothers.
The Star caught up with Malow via email – to talk about her career as singer-songwriter/independent recording artist and her upcoming visit to Niles.
The life of a singer-songwriter and recording artist can be a hectic one. Days are filled shuttling off from cities to small towns, fairs and festivals, managing publicity and making time to write and record new material. With so much surrounding a career that often is rooted in the dreams of big name stardom, one would imagine that artists have little time to form an opinion of just one of many areas in which they've performed. But that's not the case with Malow.
It was during her performance at Fernwood that Malow met up with Tom Majerek, event coordinator for the Niles Bluegrass Festival, Niles Riverfest and Niles Summer Concerts. He describes Malow as, "an awesome performer."
Malow says it has taken two years for the two to put together a concert date. "We are so happy to be returning to the area," she said. Some may remember Malow from appearances at the Riverfront Cafe.
It would seem she's getting plenty of success. 'Tangled Up In You' was her second album and according to her website the finishing touches are being applied to her third.
So how does opening to thousands at various concert arenas compare to a venue like the Niles Concert Series? Malow's answer may sound surprising.
"Being an opening artist at one of these big shows can be fun," she said. "But it does not begin to compare to small town concert series." Malow said she actually prefers small scale shows, "where you can actually meet and talk to people afterwards."
Malow admits she may be a little addicted to the immediate reaction that artists like her get from performing live. "Nothing compares," to the feeling of being on stage, she said.
"I love to connect with the audience," she said. "(To) find out what they liked and did not like – and believe me – they let me know … If people don't feel a connection with you, how can they feel a real connection with your music?"
The Niles Concert Series holds live performances free of charge at the Riverfront Amphitheater at 7 p.m. on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Opening acts begin at 6 p.m.