A star is born

Posted 8/21/12

With Mother’s Day on the horizon last weekend, I thought things would be pretty quiet for me and the pup as I perused the events (www.riverreporter.com/where-when) scheduled throughout the Upper …

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A star is born

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With Mother’s Day on the horizon last weekend, I thought things would be pretty quiet for me and the pup as I perused the events (www.riverreporter.com/where-when) scheduled throughout the Upper Delaware River region. I saw that I had plans to attend (and photograph) the fourth annual Allyson Whitney 5k run/walk (www.allysonwhitney.org) in Kauneonga Lake (check it out on our Facebook page), and made note of the fact that the Sullivan County Visitors Association (SCVA, www.scva.net) would be hosting a Disney Institute Experience seminar at SUNY Sullivan with guest speaker Bill Dustin (www.mvcc.edu) in conjunction with its annual literature exchange, held each year to give business owners an opportunity to swap information cards to share at their business locations. Since the SCVA had promised lunch, I was on board for that (even scored a doggy bag!) and grabbed the opportunity to schmooze with many of the local entrepreneurs who help to make the Catskills shine.

In addition, I had gotten a note from international singing sensation Patti Greco (www.pattigrecosunshine.com) suggesting that I check out the opening act at the Rivoli Theatre (www.scdw.net) slated to appear with her last Friday night. “This young man is beyond amazing!” Patti enthused in her email. I had heard his name (Shlomo is hard to forget) around town, but not his music (www.shlomofranklin.com), so looked him up online.

“Franklin grew up on a farm milking cows in Bethel, NY and soon developed his own style of music inspired by the neighboring grounds of the Woodstock music festival,” it said. “Hmm,” I mused. “A local boy, born and raised in our own back yard!” Hesitant to commit, I read further. “His musical influence includes Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Nirvana and Johnny Cash.” Thinking that an eclectic mix, my interest was piqued enough to make a reservation and head for South Fallsburg, NY, camera (and dog) at my side.

Greco was incredible, as always. Like a fine wine, her act continues to evolve, while her voice and technique grow stronger with every appearance. This woman gives new meaning to the word “entertainer,” and if you’ve never caught her show, run, don’t walk, to her next performance (www.villaroma.com). This powerhouse performer is a force to be reckoned with, and her highly stylized interpretation of some of the world’s greatest songs (“Where the Boys Are,” “Leavin’ on a Jet Plane,” “The Autumn Leaves”) is music to my ears. Just sayin’.

On the flip side, Greco’s advice to catch Shlomo Franklin was on the money. Not entirely knowing what to expect, I had reserved judgment, but it was impossible to ignore the fact that this guy is going places (his first CD is being recorded now) and beyond cool that his career was born here. “We’re grateful to be a part of this fundraiser. This [The Rivoli] is one of the coolest venues we’ve played, and I grew up nearby. It humbles me to be able to present my music here at home,” he said, before launching into a set of all-original, unbelievably well crafted songs, each of which was instantly memorable and beautifully rounded out by fellow musicians Allen Glenn (drums) and Joe Miller (guitar). These fellows are all in their early 20s, and Franklin’s compositions are (IMHO) complex, incredibly well written and bound for glory. While tough to choose (I went home singing to the pup) a few stand-out numbers included “Bird in the Hand,” “In Bed by Midnight,” “Come Around the Bend,” the highly hummable “Funny Boy” and the soon-to-be smash single “Hold Up That Train,” with which drummer Glenn brought the house down, as Franklin shone like the rising star that he is.

I absolutely love getting in on the ground floor of emerging talent, especially if the performer is home grown, so I snapped a lot of pics (they’ll be worth money one day very soon) and thanked Patti profusely for pointing me in Franklin’s direction. In fact, I was so impressed, that upon hearing Franklin would be performing the next night (www.dancingcatsaloon.com) with another local incandescent performer (www.sarahulse.com), I immediately made plans to hear him and the boys again in his home town of Bethel. “Wow, you came back for more?” Franklin asked when he saw the Wonder Dog sashay up to him. “It’s only just begun,” I responded. “I”m already your biggest fan and I want to be able to tell folks that I was in the house when a star was born.” Don’t take my word for it. Shlomo is scheduled to appear in Liberty, NY (www.downtownbarn.com) June 6. You’re welcome.

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