Q and with Lenny Weber

With a musical repertoire spanning several decades, local cover artist Lenny Weber is an expert time traveler - taking his audience back in time with the help of his trusty guitar. Weber revives classics from the '70s, '80s and '90s, breathing new life into them with his unique interpretations and lively performing style.

In addition to covering hits from the past, the former rock group frontman released three original CDs with the band Romeo and continues to produce new tracks.

He will perform from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Crippled Bear Inn, 2967 Lycoming Creek Road.

Jackie Szymanski: Hi, Lenny. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. First off, are you from the Williamsport area?

Lenny Weber: I am from Lamar, a small town near Lock Haven.

JS: According to your Web site, it all began with the "Beatlemania" revue on Broadway - how did that childhood experience effect your career choice?

LW: My parents took me to see it. As soon as the show started, I was instantly hooked on the idea of performing music.

JS: Do you ever find it hard to come up with fresh lyrics, given that you spend so much time singing music from the past?

LW: Good question. I usually start with a title for a song. Then I come up with a melody and a hook - that catchy part of a song that repeats, usually in the chorus. The lyrics are the hardest part. I keep a notebook around so I can jot down ideas when they come to me. I've awakened in the middle of the night with a song idea in my head. My wife usually isn't as excited as I am about that at 3 in the morning.

JS: What are some things that influence your songwriting?

LW: I love songs with lots of melody. I'm also drawn to songs that tell a great story or have a title with a play on words. I'm a big Beatles fan. I love '70s groups like ABBA and the Beach Boys - that big harmony sound.

JS: What's your latest album about?

LW: Love songs. Songs about life. Things that people can relate to. My favorite song on it is called "Follow Your Heart." It's about a guy who knows that his girlfriend is having second thoughts. He says when she finds what she's looking for, he hopes it leads her back to him.

JS: For your cover songs, do you try for an exact imitation or is it your own, distinct rendition?

LW: I have a raspy voice in the vein of Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart or Springsteen. I'm certainly not putting myself in their company, but the cover songs I do are going to have that feel to them. I like to put a little twist on them to make it interesting.

JS: What would you say is the most difficult song to cover?

LW: If I told you, you wouldn't believe me, but I'll tell you anyway. "Happy Birthday"! I've tried it in every key and it's just a tough song to get started. A few notes in and I'm good to go. I'll sing anything from Aerosmith and Bon Jovi to Johnny Cash and John Denver, but "Happy Birthday" - look out. I knew you wouldn't believe me ...

JS: What is your favorite song to sing - whether its your own piece or someone else's?

LW: "Friends in Low Places," by Garth Brooks. It was my mom's favorite.

JS: You also write advertising jingles - what's your best lyric?

LW: "You deserve a break today, so get up and get away" - just kidding - I wish I wrote that one. Locally, at Winner Auto, "You'll drive off in one of the best"... That jingle got more radio play than my songs from my Romeo days in the '90s.

JS: What can the audience expect from one of your performances?

LW: High energy. I'm one man with an acoustic guitar, but it's loud and I'm not happy until everyone's singing along with me and, most of the time, I'm really happy.

JS: In your opinion, which decade produced the best music?

LW: For me, it was the '70s. There were lots of great bands doing great music that was catchy. I'm a big fan of the hair bands from the '80s as well. I keep threatening to get the spandex pants and eyeliner out for a show, but my wife won't let me.