Is there a tried and true recipe for success in the music biz?
History would suggest not. In fact, it almost reveals the polar opposite—each established artist seems to have as different a route to the top as there are tales of the thousands who failed to follow in those footsteps.
While perhaps not a household name yet, Somers, Conn.-based songsmith Sam Plotkin has amassed quite a musical resume at his present age of 16. He's performed at the MassMutual Center, Six Flags and The Big E, recorded three CDs and, recently, shot his first video in Nashville at Reba McIntire's studio, among other things.
And although Plotkin stops short of citing exactly what—aside from his obvious talent and drive—has propelled him so far so fast (and so young), he concludes that his steady diet of restaurant gigs certainly must be factored in.
"It's interesting, because obviously, people are at these places to eat," he explains. "So you can't expect their undivided attention—and I don't. But I look at those gigs as jobs more than performance—and it's a great place to try out new material."
Much like the culinary masterminds in the back kitchen, Plotkin says he utilizes his standing restaurant performances (he can be found at East Longmeadow's Fusion Caf? most Saturdays from 7 until 10 p.m. and will appear at the 350 Grill on Worthington Street in Springfield July 24 and Aug. 8) to tinker with his set, working in new songs and riffs whenever he can, seeing what makes people drop their forks and take notice.
Then, when a "fat" chance pops up—like, say, the opportunity to open for FAT at the Stearns Square CityBlock concert series, as he will on Thursday, July 30—the pre-adult popster can pull out the proven material when all eyes are upon him.
"It's definitely different—and nice—when everyone is there to see you, and I am so happy that FAT is having me back again," Plotkin says. "Lead singer Peter Newland is actually an important influence and mentor to me, and as you know, they draw huge crowds. My current largest audience was 5,000, but maybe we'll top it!"
In the "had to ask" department, considering his age, style and voice, Crawler couldn't help but wonder if Plotkin had Idol aspirations as well.
"No, it seems everybody is doing that lately, so I don't see what makes it so special," he responded. "There's so many ways to get into the business besides a talent show, and I'd like to do it with more integrity."
Think I love this kid…
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Speaking of audio, edibles, and CityBlock, the organization responsible for the popular Thursday night summer shows—the Springfield Business Improvement District (SBID)—has also created a sister series of sorts in Summer Downtown Farmers' Market and Lunchtime Concerts. The collection of sounds of savories kicked off June 5 and continues each Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Tower Square Park through September.
On tap this week, July 24, is the diverse—and appreciative—crooner Jimmy Mazz, who says, beaming, "So exciting to not only get the crowd movin' and groovin' but just to be a part of the downtown revitalization. I'll be pulling out all the stops from all my shows, with tunes going back to the '50s and up."
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Lastly, a "post-Bastille Day Celebration BBQ" at The Rendezvous in Turners Falls?
"There is some history to it, actually," one of the club's owners, Jamie Berger, says of the event scheduled to feature the French cafe stylings of the Falltown String Band amidst a host of food, raffles and other assorted frivolity. "In the late 19th, early 20th century, this building was the St. John Baptiste Society, and we've found lots of documents… from ledgers to letters, et cetera… in the attic."
Hey, viva la party, mon frere. For more info on this one, visit http://rendezvoustfma.com.
Send correspondence to: Nightcrawler, P.O. Box 427, Somers, CT 06071; fax to (860) 698-9373 or email garycarra@aol.com.
