Local Female Artists to Play Backstage Pass at WKCTC's Clemens Fine Arts Center November 17

Melanie Davis and Kora Clayton Featured Artists

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PADUCAH, KY (11/06/2018) Two amazing local female artists will join together for a Backstage Pass on West Kentucky Community and Technical College's Clemens Fine Arts Center stage November 17 at 7:30 p.m. Backstage Pass is an intimate listening room experience that celebrates the local and regional musical talents of the surrounding Paducah area.

Melanie Davis and Kora Clayton, both of Murray, will share their unique styles of music for audience members who will be on stage with them throughout the evening.

A thespian at heart, Davis' ability to craft tunes that are simultaneously poignant and liberating is steeped in an appreciation for the nuances of human relationships. Whether it's contemplating the potential of her immediate community or considering her own vices and tendencies, she never shies away from the glaring truths therein. With her fresh wave of jazz-inspired folk arrangements, Davis' inimitable voice and a terrific sense of unique rhythms on the guitar, creates a truly original sound. She is currently working on an album that will be recorded in January 2018 and released sometime mid to late spring.

"I've written songs since I was a young girl; I've always been a singer. Ever since I can remember, it's been my major passion and hobby," said Davis.

Whether making melodies or working in her sculpture studio, Kora Clayton, is an artist and student whose creation process becomes an experience for both her and the viewer.

"My initiative to create is driven by the desire of human potential. Whether it be within the viewer or for my own indulgence. As an artist, I've found that creation is best driven by the urge to navigate all planes of absurdity and sanity," said Clayton. "It's important that the performance is unbound, and it has the potential to activate thought beyond the night. That's my intent."

Clayton, who is currently in the process of finishing a bachelor's in fine arts degree at Murray State University, has lived in Marshall County for most of her life. "I'm excited to finish school and set sail. Though I will keep sights like Kentucky Lake and the Murray sunsets close to heart."

Clemens Fine Arts Center Director Todd Birdsong described an evening spent at a Backstage Pass performance as, "building a relationship between the artists and the audience while songwriters reveal highly personal stories about their lives. The intimacy of the space and performances is the trademark of what we do within this series. We focus on the craft of songwriting and intentional listening in shared, but unique, moments."

"We also drink a lot of coffee!", he added. The series is supported by WKMS-FM in Murray and Paduch's ETC Coffeehouse.

Tickets for Backstage Pass are $8 in advance at artsinfocus.org or by calling Julie Moore at 270-534-3212. Tickets can also be purchased for $10 at the door.