LAKEPORT >> Though not long since they formed, this band just simply ‘gets it,’ Patrick Gleeson, lead vocalist of the local band Clean Sweep confidently phrased it.
The seven-member band formed just over a year ago, each with decades of musical talent and experience in the bag. Chuck Berry, Ben E. King, The Temptations, and Stevie Wonder — just to point out a few names the band members have opened for and played with before meeting.
They are: Patrick Gleeson, lead vocals and harmonica; Joanie Lane, flute and vocals; Michael Gymnaites, guitar and vocals; Keith Crossan, saxophone; David Neft, piano; Tim Karlyle, bass guitar; Tim Schellenberger, drums; and Felix Bannon, fill-in player.
Together they easily rack up more than 350 years of musical experience. Band members, each coming from different parts of California, have had the chance to perform down south in La La Land to as far east in various European countries.
Clean Sweep is an eclectic collision of musical backgrounds that works just right. They specialize in those sticky rhythms that urge you to get up and hit the dancefloor. These culprits have a name. Funk, blues, r&b, and soul — the genres this band “sweeps” through without a hassle.
It’s no doubt the band has nicknamed themselves “Your Dance Band.”
This was easy for them to identify with such genres as each member had played somewhere between each of those groups, bringing in different styles and takes from their past into Clean Sweep.
“We all come from different musical backgrounds. It doesn’t matter where we came from, though. Anyone that comes in just gets it,” Gleeson said.
After a busy life of performing in different parts of California and touring abroad, band members settled in Lake County with their families, some since 2005. After joining musical talents, Clean Sweep now performs all around the county, including at the Upper Lake Blue Wing Saloon and Cafe, The Spot in Clearlake, and at the Lakeport Summer Concert Series.
Clean Sweep is “for the community,” as they like to describe. They not only “get it” musically, they get the people of Lake County, particularly on the topic of having lived through consecutive devastating fires.
When the Valley Fire swept through parts of the county two years ago, one player lost his brother. This year, several members had to evacuate during the Sulphur Fire. Lane found out her sister lost her home to the Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa.
“We’ve all been there with our community. We’ve all been touched,” said Gleeson.
Independent producer Tina Lewis then approached the band to perform at an annual dance party that raises funds for fire survivors.
“No one in the band said no,” Gleeson said. “It’s for our community and for those that suffered in these devastating fires.”
On November 3, the band will perform at the Halloween Spirits benefit where all proceeds are given to the North Coast Opportunities’ Hope City fund, which purchases supplies to rebuild homes lost in the recent fires.
The band announced they have reached out to venues in Sonoma, Napa, and other affected areas to perform for similar efforts.
“We don’t make money. There’s no money in music. It’s love and it comes from the heart. When you find a reason to share it, that’s how we pay our community,” said Gleeson.
But in the midst of much fire wreckage, Clean Sweep promises to bring an upbeat and uplifting time at the dance party — essential ingredients for a Halloween celebration.
“All of this is about celebrating and stirring emotion,” Gleeson explained. It’s safe to say that the best part of a celebration is well, the music.
Catch your dance band at the Big Valley Hall, 1510 Big Valley Rd., Lakeport/ Finely on November 3 from 7-10 p.m. The cover charge is $10. For more information visit the Lake County Fire Recovery Benefits Facebook page or call 707-278-7126. To volunteer or donate to fire survivors, visit hcrn.info.
