Lewis Franco
Lewis Franco has been a fixture on the Vermont acoustic music scene for many years, entertaining audiences of all ages with clever and occasionally profound lyrics, delightfully tuneful melodies, and a fun-loving presence. Vermont Public Radio’s Robert Resnik calls Franco, “a brilliant songwriter – one of our very finest.”
His music receives airplay on several radio stations including Vermont Public Radio, WNCS, WGDR, and WDEV (where his song “You Wouldn’t Have A Cowboy Without A Cow” became the theme song of Farmer Dave’s gubernatorial campaign). Franco’s songs are prominently featured on WDEV’s popular Saturday morning program, Music To Go To The Dump By, hosted by Ken Squier.
Franco’s national recognition is of a different sort. A long-time resident of Maple Corner, in Calais, Vermont, he appears with only his guitar as “Mr. January” in the famous Men of Maple Corner Calendar. He wrote the theme song for the calendar and performed it on NBC’s Today Show. Also, National Public Radio interviewed Franco for its popular weekend show, “Only a Game.” A 5-time Wifflefest Champion, his combination of Wiffle-Ball and musical talents are virtually unsurpassed.
He currently performs as a vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist with The Missing Cats – an acoustic jazz combo, with Will Patton (mandolin), Dono Schabner (guitar), and Micah Carbonneau (upright bass). They do originals as well as gypsy swing and jive swing tunes from the 1930's and 40's, featuring close 3-part vocal rhythm harmonies, combined with accessible jazz improvisation.
He also performs with fiddler and singer-songwriter Susannah Blachly, and fronts “The Gross Domestic Products” (with Susannah Blachly, Colin McCaffrey, Matt Kaminsky, and Brendan Taylor).
Recently he has been joined on the stage by his ten-year-old daughter, Louisa Franco, who sings and plays keyboards and fiddle. “Franco & Daughter” is the result. It’s a dream come true for Franco, and a real treat for audiences.
Franco’s new CD, “Swingin’ in Daddyland” features mostly original but classic-sounding swing tunes about family life. In his words, “It’s not just Pop music… it’s Mom and Pop music.”