Rock Church
by Eric Worden

Elaine Dempsey is coming back to town, alert the media! Wait a minute. I am the media. That's why I'm letting you know that one of Hampton Roads' most gifted female vocalists is returning this Friday on her yearly bay-to-bay pilgrimage.

Transplanted to San Francisco nearly a half-decade ago, Elaine Dempsey still misses the Hampton Roads' locals that filled Smackwater Jack's every Monday night. Oh, she is still writing up a storm, and has built a faithful following out west to rival the old days, but she still yearns for a connection. Perhaps that's why the first half of her latest album MisELAINEous was done in San Fran with Bill Spooner of the Tubes, but the second half was done in Michael Mulder's bedroom studio in Norfolk with old friends like Karl Werne, Eddie Williams and Lawrence Lambert. It is this committed effort that landed her the headliner kudos for this Friday's first FOR LOCAL ARTISTS concert at the Unitarian Church in Norfolk.

Friend and music collaborator Karl Werne outlined F.L.A.'s purpose this way: "For Local Artists is a group of musicians, artists and their friends, who are dedicated to the mission of providing better venues and increased exposure for local talent in the Hampton Roads community." The church, steady venue for the Friends of Folk Music, has seating for 250, quality acoustics, and a special atmosphere. That should match the type of admiration Werne has for Dempsey. "She is such a modest woman, but let me tell you how I feel. I love this woman." Werne, Williams, Lambert, and the members of Sea*Aira will warm up the crowd for Dempsey in what is hoped to be the first of a series of locally driven showcases in the hallowed halls.

What do you get for $7, $10 at the door? "A great show and some surprises," promises Werne. While they last, get advance tickets at Moe's Music and the Naro Expanded Video store. The Unitarian Church is located across from the Chrysler Museum of Art at 739 Yarmouth St. in Norfolk. And if you miss the show? Werne hints there may be an after-show jam at Reggie's Waterside.