Celebrating Clare Church—Women’s History Month

Clare Church began her music education at home in Chicago with a father who was an exceptional tenor singer. There was music in the house all the time. Clare began lessons in piano at about 6, which continued until she was about 14. 

As a drummer, she heads up her own group, “Expeditions” (with husband Pete Lewis, Adam Revell, and Jason Malmberg), and they’re as much fun to hear as any group around. Pete writes their original songs and arranges all their music. The group has played at the Muse with guest artists like Greg Gisbert and at Dazzle with Peter Stolzman. She takes calls for many types of gigs. She’s a darned good drummer! Excerpts are taken from Local Musician Spotlight

Clare has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Henderson, Natalie Cole, Nancy Wilson, Mel Torme, Bennett Carter, and many other jazz luminaries, as well as top shows like those of the Temptations, Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, and Gladys Knight. 

Clare has played with local artists such as Art Lande, Jeff Jenkins, Ellyn Rucker, Justin Adams, Carmen Sandim, Tenia Nelson, Victor Mestas, Matt Fuller, James Barela, Marylynn Gillespie, Janine Gastineau, Jerry Weiss, and many more.

Clare and Pete run Muse Performance Space a hidden gem in Lafayette that is quietly bringing noise, this place has a little something for everyone, music, art, ambiance, and more.

“All the members of my ensembles are seasoned professionals with years of experience playing the very best jazz. We have appeared in Dazzle, Nocturne, Nissi’s, and many other venues.” —Clare Church