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Sol Knopf / Blog

Joan Lynn's 80th B-Day Party

Celebrated Joan Lynn's 80th Birthday this evening at The Smyrna Opera House. I was honored to be asked to perform music and spend time with dear friends. What an incredible night. Joan's kids Pat, Kevin, Mary, Brian, Becky and Sean are simply awesome people. We all grew up in Woodcrest throughout the 60's and 70's...right by Dover High School. Pat graduated with my sister Sherry in 1974 and Kevin graduated with my brother Larry in 1975. Mary graduated the closest to me and was always a cutie. Brian and I played hours of basketball together...until he grew to 6' 2"...then I couldn't hang anymore. Bastard! :-)

The senate offered a proclamation celebrating Joan's life and achievements along with her recognizing her lifelong contributions to the community. It was so moving hearing Pat read it aloud. The proclamation was sponsored by Senator Nancy Cook.

It was simply a wonderful evening and I was so thrilled to be there and meet all of Joan's grandkids....many of whom are grown up already. I know Pat Sr. was looking down from above and very proud of his wonderful family. He is sorely missed.

News regarding shows and new original material

I want to thank you all for being so supportive. The life of a full-time musician has it's challenges, but for me it's truly a blessing. Thank you so much! Looking into the future, there are a couple dates you might want to mark on your calendar....first of all on Friday September 17th I will be appearing at the Smyrna Opera House with a full band for a dance. Appearing with us will be international smooth jazz recording artist "Jaared" who is one of the best saxophone players on the planet. His most recent CD "Manhattan Nights" is climbing the smooth jazz charts and it's only a matter of time before everyone around the world knows who he is. Make sure to contact the Smyrna Opera House at 302-653-4236 right away to purchase tickets. The cost is $15 Adults and $5 students. There is a $2 discount if you buy the tickets before the day of the event. Then on October 12th I will be appearing live on www.SimpleAndFreeRadio.com. DJ Bruce will be interviewing me and I will be performing many of my original tunes. I will also be introducing several new songs (that will be included on my upcoming CD). It will be your first chance to hear me perform them live. As for news regarding Doug James's upcoming CD (that includes our collaboration "Sara's Hair"). Doug just received great news that legendary record producer Herb Bernstein has agreed to work on the project and provide orchestration on several of the tunes....hopefully including "Sara's Hair". Herb has conducted, arranged and/or produced for legends such as Laura Nyro, John Denver, Bob Dylan, Tina Turner and many, many more. Please keep Doug in your thoughts as he works hard to finish this incredible project. Thanks again for your love and support! Your Friend, Sol You can find out more about Jaared at : www.Jaared.com You can find out more about Doug at : www.DougJamesMusic.com

Great fun at DeFibo's

DeFibo's was a blast last night. It was my first time performing there and I had a wonderful time. I'm really looking forward to going back on Friday August 20th. DeFibo's Bistro is on the Green at Bear Trap Dunes in Ocean View. The setting is gorgeous. There were so many people outside that they started laying blankets down for families to enjoy the Barbecue and music picnic style. We got to sing happy Birthday wishes to Pat and to Beverly. We enjoyed watching many people dance...folks like Joe and Helen. We even got a chance to watch Doug try to do the YMCA after drinking several Coors beers. That was funny for sure!

DiFebo's today..then a few much needed days off!

The last two days were crazy! I performed at The Rollins Center for Dover Downs Slot tournament. Friday was 3pm-10pm and then Saturday was 9am-5pm! That's alot of singing and I am a bit crispy to say the least. :-) But Soooooo thankful for the work! Today should be fun. It will be my first time performing at DiFebo's Bistro on the Green at Bear Trap Dunes in Ocean View, DE. I've heard great things about DiFebo's. Come on out and join us from 5pm-8pm. Should be a blast! Love, Sol

Cape May

Toni and I had an incredible day in Cape May, NJ. We visited my childhood best buddy Keith Lewis and his wife Stephanie while they were there on vacation. Keith moved away from Dover,DE in 1977 and we hadn't seen each other since. He and Steph currently live in Dayton, OH. Keith found me on facebook which facilitated our re-connection. It was a very special day indeed. We talked music and jammed on the front porch. Keith's friend Dan cooked on the grill and we stuffed ourselves! Later we walked on the beach and continued to catch up on 30+ years while our wives talked horses. :-) Toni and I caught the last Ferry back to Lewes,DE at 6pm and watched the Honeycombs perform. They called me up to sing and we had a great time. This was a day I will never forget. Such a gift. :-)

Cool Dog Concert

Was blown away today at The Cool Dog Concert. First up was Sean Cheezum. I had heard Sean fiddle around a little at B&B Music when I use to work there...but I had no idea how talented this dude is. Great tunes and incredible rhythmic guitar style. Sweet. Next up was Erin Casey and her group Elephant Sky. I was blown away. I went to school with Erin's mother Jennifer and had no idea how talented Jenn's daughter was. Erin has the voice of an angel and the soul of someone much older than her 19 years. Her songwriting is outstanding and the group was absolutely perfect. All of them go to Berklee School of music and it showed. It made me jealous that I didn't go there...(sigh). Then Liz Longley got up and floored me from the very first notes that left her lips. This girl is as talented as anyone I have ever seen or worked with. Her voice is breathtaking, guitar and keyboard playing, beautiful and her songwriting...award winning! Literally. Liz is so much more talented than anyone on the radio right now. That doesn't always mean you're going to "make it". But if anyone has a chance...it's Liz! Congratulations to Paul Gummerman and the rest of the gang at Cool Dog for putting on a fabulous show!

Baywood Greens

Well...we finally got the rain we've sorely needed but because of it I had to perform inside at Baywood Greens. Still had a good time though. Afterward I visited with Doug James at the studio to hear the progress being made on our song "Sara's Hair". It's really sounding good and we're so excited about it's potential. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Jakes Seafood

Jakes Seafood was a blast tonight! I can't wait to go back. The patrons were awesome and so were the bartenders,waiters and waitresses. I've never seen more beautiful young people working at one place. Once again I was fortunate enough to have my name up on a marquis...and several of my friends came in because they saw it. That really made me feel good.

The Beach

Had great nights at Annabellas in Lewes, DE and Casa DeLio's in Rehoboth. The food looked great at both places and you couldn't ask for nicer owners either. Annabella's was the first place in a very long time to actually put my name on their Marquis. I know it's a childish "Ego" thing...but it made me feel good. Several people came in because they saw I was there. I performed 15 years for Dover Downs and they never once put my name on the marquis and it always left me feeling perplexed. Ok....ego thing again....I know.....I know! :-) Tonight I'm performing at Jake's Seafood on Hwy 1 in Rehoboth. This will be my first time there. Looking forward to it.

6 Gigs in a row....Sweet!

This is going to be an awesome week. Starting tomorrow I have 6 gigs in a row...the first 4 all at the Delaware Shore.

Wednesday July 7th I'll be at Annabella's Italian Restaurant in Lewes, De from 6pm-9pm. This will be my first time there and I've heard wonderful things about the owners and the food.

Thursday July 8th I'll be back at Casa Delio's in Rehoboth Beach,DE from 7pm-10pm. They sell these huge slices of pizza the size of 3 slices anywhere else. Amazing!

Friday July 9th will be my first time ever playing at Jake's Seafood on Rt 1 in Rehoboth Beach from 6pm-9pm. Jake's is a beautiful Restaurant and I sure hope you can make it.

Saturday July 10th I'm back at the gorgeous Baywood Greens from 6:30pm-9:30pm. You have to see this place to believe it. The view is spectacular.

Sunday July 11th Mike Hodgeman and I will be performing classic R&B and Soul tunes from the 60's and 70's at JW's in Dover, DE from 5pm-9pm. Mike's as strong and soulful a singer as you will ever hear.

Monday July 12th I'll be back at the famous Sambo's Tavern in Leipsic, DE from 7pm-10pm. This is my 24th year playing there every other Monday. I started when I was 10 of course. (wink, wink)

have a great week and I hope to see you out.

Love, Sol