Songs from the second half: Musician Dan Mahar to perform at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale

• Dan Mahar

Dan Mahar

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Dan Mahar grew up in Chicago in the 1960s listening to what he called “good music” on the radio.

He loved the sounds of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page with Led Zeppelin and “Motown stuff.”

Mahar, who now lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will be the featured musician at Sixth Avenue Wine and Ale in downtown Alexandria this weekend.

He will perform Friday, August 28 from 7 to 10 p.m. and again on Saturday, August 29 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Mahar is excited about his new CD coming out. The release date has been set for November 9. He said the songs on this CD reflect the second half of his life. In fact, the title track is called “Second Half of my Life.”

Mahar believes that people have two lives – the first one is the one you’ve lived and learned from. The second one is the one when you put into practice everything you learned from the first.

His first CD, “Long Stone’s Throw,” was more of a blues-sounding album. The new one, he said, has more variety to it.

“I don’t just sing the blues,” said Mahar.

The style of the new album, according to Mahar, has everything from blues to Cajun to reggae with a little 70s rock ballad thrown into the mix.

It’s based on the music he listens to – Bob Seger, Bob Dylan, the Beetles and even some Tony Bennett.

“I grew up with this music,” he said. “I do songs I enjoy playing. If I’m enjoying it, more than likely the people will enjoy it. I play what I play.”

Mahar is looking forward to coming back to Alexandria – he performed in January 2008 at the Alexandria Area Arts Association Theatre.

Mahar, who toured with Billy Dean as the lead guitar player for years, had at least three number one hits and at least eight top 10 radio hits while touring with Dean. They appeared on the Tonight Show, Austin City Limits, The Grand Ole Opry and many other radio and television programs.

More information about Mahar can be obtained by visiting his website at www.danmahar.com.

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