An evening with Sean Michael Dargan

Last Saturday evening, I had the pleasure of enjoying an evening with Sean Michael Dargan. SMD is a well known Madison musician. I can't quite explain his style of music. It's a little bit rock, a little bit folk, a little bit alternative....I'd sum it up as 'Feel Good' music. No matter what SMD plays - whether it's his own music, a cover of an Elvis Costello tune or a little Richard Thompson - he leaves you with an amazing feeling. Saturday at Fyfe's was no exception.

I've been watching SMD for the last 2 years. I first discovered him with BJK at the Kimia Lounge in Madison. Who was this guy with crazy hair, a bow tie, suit and big shoes rocking out on guitar? It took us a few weeks to really get into his music, but once we really listened to it we were hooked. Since then we've seen him at Brocach, the High Noon Saloon and the Crystal Corner. Each venue brings something a little different. A new side to SMD emerges each time.

Sometimes he brings his 5 piece band, sometimes it's the guitar trio and others it's just SMD and his acoustic guitar. No matter which version of SMD shows up that evening, the core of his music and what he brings to the table comes shining through. I wish I could bottle up the feeling that I get while watching his show and live off of that every moment of every day. SMD in a bottle...now that's something I could sell.

Throughout the last 2 years, BJK and I have also gotten to know a bit about SMD personally. He is a very engaging and down to earth guy. The same energy that he brings to his music is evident in how he talks to and listens to his fans. I get the feeling he considers his fans more than fans. He considers them friends. Knowing SMD beyond his music also makes his original music more meaningful. You start to learn the stories and the inspiration behind the songs. It's not just music anymore - it's life.

Fyfe's is a local restaurant with some dynamite food. Unfortunately it will be closing for good in just about one week. The lease is up and it's time to move on. SMD showed up to play one last show. He did not disappoint. The bar area was packed and buzzed with conversation the entire evening. As you looked around the room, you could see people engaged in the music, tapping their feet, bobbing their heads...it was another great evening with SMD.

I introduced my friend Wes to his music this last Saturday and by the end of the evening, I think he understood why I acted like a giddy school girl before SMD took the stage. I knew what was in store for us. I knew how great the show was going to be and as usual, it lived up to and surpassed my expectations.

After the show, we stopped by to say farewell and get the scoop on his next show. The SMD trio will be playing in Stoughton on December 14th at Stella's and SMD will be joining the Kissers on December 7th at the High Noon Saloon. How lucky - 2 weeks of SMD back to back?! If I could just bottle it up and take it home...at least I have a little SMD on my iPod. I can get that 'feel good' feeling anytime!

For more information and the latest tour information, check out: www.seanmichaeldargan.com