November 2009 Feature Artist - Francesco Maceri
By Jack Gray

This month I have found someone truly special to share with all of you.  Francesco Maceri is a young musician from North Port, Florida.  At just 17, he has mastered the likes of Clapton, Page, and even Hendrix, producing sounds that rival the masters themselves.   I first saw him perform at Gasparilla Marina & Waterside Grill during their Biker Bash & Hog Roast to benefit “Kids Needs of Englewood” on September 12^th 2009.  He immediately captivated my attention as he broke into “Since I’ve Been Lovin’ You” by Led Zeppelin, one of my all-time favorites… 

What was striking about this song selection, is this was not a mainstream tune, nor was it one easily reproduced.  It didn’t take but a few notes, and I could tell, Francesco was not just playing the song, he was performing the music… After what seemed like an endless span of time, I suddenly snapped out of his spell and panned the audience to see that everyone was totally fixated on him too.  Even the kids stopped running and playing to sit and watch him perform.  It was truly magical. 

Since then I have had the opportunity to see him perform at several places including The Redneck Yacht Club of Englewood’s Flotilla October 3^rd, and at the Boca Grande Fall Festival October 17^th.  Both times his performance was stellar.  At the Boca Fest, Tony from The Saint Tone Band asked him to stay and join their set after hearing him play as they were setting up for the show.  “This kid is brilliant”, said Tony St. Tone after playing with him for their first set.  “You can tell when somebody has it, and this kid has it”, he continued.  “He’s not just playing the song, he is feeling the music, and there’s a big difference.  He certainly has what it takes”.    Well, I couldn’t agree more Tony! 

Some of Francesco’s influences are; Carlos Santana, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Ray LaMontagne, Rob Thomas, Bright Eyes, Gary Moore, The Fray, Maroon 5, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Satriani, oh and of course, Jimmy Page…

Check out the www.GoodTimesUpdate.com website for some videos of his performances, a few pics from the Boca Fall Festival, and coming soon… downloads of his original music… You can catch Francesco at various places in the area including The Old World Restaurant, at 14415 Zagrobelny Way, in North Port, and Mookey’s Spotrs Bar & Lounge 4821 Placida Rd. in Englewood.  Check out his Myspace at: www.myspace.com/francescomaceri for the latest performance locations, where you can also catch some of his videos, and you can listen to a couple tracks there too.