THE TALENT: Sarah Cram
THE SOUND: An eclectic array of a variety of musical stylings
THE GIGS: 8 p.m. Thursday, July 1, at Tornados, 1400 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids
THE REST OF THE STORY: Facebook and MySpace
THE BANDS: Sarah Cram & the Derelicts (retro rock, country and pop), The Diplomats of Solid Sound (soul music, with hints of Motown, jazz and R&B), The Awful Purdies (an all female alternative folk band, with string arrangements), Boss Time Delegation (edgy soul and funk) and Sarah Cram (solo acoustic).
It seems you were born to perform
I’ve been singing since I was a little girl — in church, school musicals and the car with my family. I play the guitar a little, enough to write my own songs and play rhythm in the band. I started writing my own songs when I was a teen, started singing in bands when I was 18, and put out my first solo album around 24.

Tell us why you play so many different styles of music
I just listen to different styles of music, and I go through weird phases. When I write songs I’m inspired by whatever I’m listening to at the time. Sometimes I’m inspired by the music my friends play and of course what’s going on in my life, the world and the people around me. Lately I’ve enjoyed playing old country, girl group inspired stuff and of course rock and roll. I like to experiment with different styles, maybe that’s why I’m in so
many bands.

You seem to attract excellent musicians
Every person I work with is so talented. I love them all and take inspiration from each one in different ways. I would have to say working with Kyle Oyloe in The Derelicts has been life changing. He encouraged me to start my own band and has been there every step of the way. We’ve got our first album together coming out this summer.

Where can we see you?
I like to play bars and dives known for live music. When I play solo I like to play in more intimate settings, like coffee shops or wineries. I want to play for the club owners that support original music and treat the musicians well.

What will we see?
My energy and performance is affected by what kind of venue we’re playing, the energy of the audience and the band that I’m playing with. I have different “roles” for each group, but regardless of all that I always try to make a connection with the audience. We’re playing some outdoor gigs this summer, in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. I hope families and everyone can come check us out. Come on out and support live music in our community!
— PETE