Aug 15, 2003 By Hayley Bykens For The 6 min read

No matter how popular The Clarks become, the Pittsburgh-based rock band can always be seen performing in Fayette County for their friends and family members. The Clarks will come home again tonight when the band will perform as the headlining act for the third outdoor concert presented by Mahoney’s Bar and Grill, located at 58 E. Fayette St., Uniontown.

The concert will also feature special guests Marc Broussard and Franky Perez.

“I always enjoy playing in Fayette County,” said Connellsville native Scott Blasey, lead singer for The Clarks.

“I get to see a lot of family and friends that I don’t normally see. I don’t know who’s coming out for the show, but I’m sure I’ll run into a few familiar faces,” Blasey added.

After spending the last few months in Tennessee working on a new album, The Clarks have opted to headline the outdoor concert at Mahoney’s Bar for the second year in a row.

“The first year we had The Clarks play it was great,” said Mark Posinak, spokesman for the concert. “They are bigger than ever now, but their hometown was always Pittsburgh.”

After kicking off their musical career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where Blasey had never even had a guitar lesson but opted to play guitar and sing as well, the band started performing at fraternity parties around campus.

Band members include Robert James, guitarist/vocalist; Greg Joseph, bass/vocalist; and Dave Minarik Jr., drums/vocalist. The group took form with Blasey discovering his talent for songwriting as well as performing.

After their initial success, The Clarks soon realized their dreams of the music world by turning their college band into a full-time job. But just like other musicians, band members said they have experienced many ups and downs during their music careers.

During the last five years, the band has evolved into a rock phenomenon, performing for thousands of people around the Pittsburgh area.

Band members have shared the stage with such great acts as Three Doors Down and headlined their own shows at area venues and performed on the very first Rolling Rock Town Fair. The Clarks have even been featured in last year’s film “Summer Catch” starring Freddy Prinze Jr. and other films like “Boys” with Winona Ryder and “Just Write” with Jeremy Piven and Sherilynn Fenn.

As the headliners of this year’s outdoor concert, The Clarks decided to bring their own opening acts with them.

With Marc Broussard and Franky Perez, Blasey said the summer concert will feature excellent music.

Marc Broussard, 20, has been performing since the age of 5 when he began singing with his father to “Johnny B Goode.” With his combination of soul, R&B and rock, he has developed a unique sound.

“My parents always helped me stay on the right track,” he said in his biography. “I have knowledge of a higher power, and I want to put forth a positive message in my music.”

Broussard is currently promoting his debut release “Momentary Setback” that is a reflection of his diverse musical tastes. While sharing his gift of music, Broussard and his five-piece band will perform with The Clarks at Mahoney’s tonight.

Along with Broussard, concertgoers will have a chance to listen to the vocal styling of Franky Perez. Armed with a guitar and a head full of his own songs, Perez is prepared to share his soul with an audience.

After struggling with what many musicians find themselves in at one point in their lives, Perez was in search of a dream.

The plan was to drive by day and write by night until he got to New York, but he never made it there. However, he did make his mark in the music industry.

After heading to Miami and waiting tables, his day finally came and Perez recorded “Poor Man’s Son.”

“I wanted this to be like records that I grew up with,” Franky said in his biography. “Those records suck you in, put you right in the moment. That’s what I wanted to get out of my record. I wanted to bring people right into the moment with me.”

Perez said his music is described as “the kind of storytelling and timeless sound, coupled with the kind of live show that buckles your knees.”

He said he wanted to share “something full of love, soul and rock ‘n’ roll from a poor man’s son.” And he did. He shared his 17-song album, which he proudly calls his “recession special.”

“Everything happens for a reason,” said Perez in his biography. “I truly believe that. I know it sounds clich?, but it’s true. When something bad happens in my life, I know that something good will come out of it.”

WCLG and Coors Light will sponsor this year’s concert. Posinak said a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Uniontown Volunteer Fire Department.

The doors will open at 5 p.m., and the show will be held outside behind Mahoney’s Bar in the parking lot.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 412-323-1919 or 304-292-0220.

For more information regarding the concert, call 724-438-1615 or check out the Web site at www.mahoneysbarandgrills.com.

For more information on any of the artists visit www.clarksonline.com www.marcbroussard.com, or www.franky-perez.com.

Despite the wicked weather all summer long, Posinak said the show will go on rain or shine. The concert will accommodate the weather no matter what the case may be.

“We’re bringing in a big outdoor stage and tents to keep the sun and rain out,” Posinak said. “We have food and drink vendors that are going to come, and we’ve hired plenty of security to make sure everyone is safe. We’re expecting anywhere from 2,500 to 4,000 people to show up.”

Although the show is for all ages, Mahoney’s Bar will offer wristbands to those 21 and over to allow them to purchase alcoholic drinks.

The wristbands cannot be removed and must stay on during the concert for people who want to purchase alcoholic drinks.