Bernie Clark and the Rhythm Sharks insist on playing the way they want to play.

“We're not a top 40 band, we don't go out to play what people want to hear,” said Clarke, the group's singer and harmonica player.

For 15 years, Clarke and guitarist Seth Rochford have been playing blues, rockabilly, Memphis soul and other sister styles with a revolving door of drummers and bassists. Rock Carbone has sat behind the kit for five years and Jack Chapel's handled the low end since October. Despite the instability in the lineup, Clarke finds no challenge in always achieving quality.

“When you got a busy calendar and a good band, it's easy to attract quality musicians,” he said. “Good musicians can always get gigs; it's a matter of staying busy and having good shows.”

The Rhythm Sharks' sets consist of original material - some taken from its 2001 full-length, “Love Redeemer” - and obscure covers.

If Clarke and the Rhythm Sharks happen to play a well-known song, they'll mutate it beyond recognition.

“One person paid me the biggest compliment when he said he listened to us all night and knew we were playing a lot of covers,” Clarke said. “But he didn't recognize one of them.”

Staff writer David Wilcox can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 245 or david.wilcox@lee.net

Five questions with Bernie Clarke:

Q: What's your favorite song to play live?

A: “Sweet Baby” by Ted Hawkins.

Q: What is the first concert you remember attending?

A: David Bowie on the “Let's Dance” tour at Roxborough Stadium.

Q: What are your all-time favorite albums?

A: “Out in California” by Dave Alvin and the Guilty Men.

Q: Who are your biggest musical influences?

A: Kim Wilson from the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Little Walter, Otis Rush and Darrell Nulisch.

Q: Where have you always wanted to perform but never gotten a chance to?

A: The Chicago Blues Festival.

If you go

What: Bernie Clarke and the Rhythm Sharks

When: 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 2

Where: Morris' Grill, 6 W. Genesee St., Skaneateles

Cost: Free

Info: Call 685-7761