J. Scott Franklin: A Unique Talent

J. Scott Franklin is performing at Lakewood Public Library and we’re all a little miffed. Libraries are supposed to be organized. We like our Dewey Decimal System and we like things to fall into neat little categories. But J. Scott Franklin refuses to be categorized. Is he a poet that sings or a singer who writes poetry? Is he a trumpet playing guitarist or a guitar playing trumpeter? A music making storyteller? We aren’t sure, but we aren’t really miffed, either.  In fact, we are delighted to welcome J. Scott Franklin to sing us a few poems and tell us a few songs on Sunday August 22nd, at 2 p.m. in the Lakewood Public Library Auditorium as part of the Sunday With The Friends Concert Series. As always, this Sunday With The Friends performance is Free and open to the public.

According to Tisha Nemeth of Cool Cleveland, “J. Scott Franklin represents Cleveland’s new brand of multi-dimensional, renaissance type poets who not only write, but also operate on various artistic levels…” Franklin not only operates on different artistic levels, he operates in different musical genres. His performance has been described as a blend between Rock, Blues, Folk, Jazz, Country, Indie-Rock and Bluegrass. This versatility has carried him to perform and record with the Count Basie Orchestra, the Grammy-winning Willie Smith, Racermason, Infinite Number of Sounds, The Aphrodesiatics, and the Ross Feranda Jazz Quartet.

J. Scott Franklin has recently been touring the country with the musical ensemble Lost State of Franklin, and touring solo to promote his newest album “Chain of Words.” He has also had the honor of being nominated as Songwriter of the Year by Cleveland’s Scene Magazine. 

So while he is back in his hometown of Cleveland, make a point of coming to see life through the eyes of the versatile J. Scott Franklin on Sunday, August 22nd, at 2 p.m. in the Lakewood Public Library Auditorium. Besides being entertaining, you just never know what these ‘multi-talented’ types are going to do next!