Besides being a gifted musician, singer/songwriter Ben Taylor has a unique outlook on life.
Taylor, son of music legends James Taylor and Carly Simon, is set to release his fourth album, “The Legend of Kung Folk Part 1: The Killing Bite” on Iris Records sometime this fall.
On his Web site, www.bentaylormusic.com, Taylor explains the meaning behind the odd title - sort of.
“There has always been and will always be Kung Folk,” he writes. “It's as predictable and sure as blossoms in the springtime ... and a kick in the face from a pretty girl.”
Soon, central New York residents will be able to hear Taylor's eclectic, instantly charming music for themselves.
On Sunday, Taylor, along with his accompanying band and their infectious, gentle-but-funky folk sound, will perform as the headlining act at the Skaneateles Area Arts Council's fourth annual summer gala, “A Midsummer Night's Dream.”
The decadent affair on the grounds of Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center also will feature Taylor's sister, Sally, along with an opening performance by British musician David Saw.
“Ben performed at our gala in 2006, and we ended up having to turn 150 people away,” said art council president Joe Strodel Jr. last week.
After seeing Taylor perform on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” he recalled, arts council board members thought he would be a perfect fit for the 2006 gala.
“And people just loved him, so we've decided to have him back again,” he added.
In a telephone interview from his Martha's Vineyard home, Taylor said he has fond memories of his previous appearance here.
“You know, for me it was all about that lake,” he said. “The lake completely drew me in ... I like water so much, and it was just incredible.”
Those attending the gala will hear live debuts of songs from his forthcoming album, “Kung Folk.” However, Taylor was reluctant to name songs he will perform “because if I say which songs, I'll be forced to play them,” he said.
He also further explained the meaning of “kung folk” - sort of.
“That's just me not taking myself seriously,” he said. “But at the same time, it's really who I am. I take music very seriously, almost like kung fu practice.”
With two music legends as parents, one might expect Taylor to churn out hit songs in his sleep. Taylor, however, doesn't see it that way.
“The nice thing for me is to have such a good mom and dad,” he said. “I guess the talent is there sort of subconsciously ... before they're famous musicians, they're great parents,” he added, noting that both Simon and James Taylor have homes on Martha's Vineyard too, so he sees both regularly.
Prior to the performances, guests will enjoy cocktails and dinner provided by Sherwood Inn and chef Chris Kuhn, a Skaneateles resident.
Skaneateles resident Julie Abbott will make her fourth appearance as the event's emcee, along with the debut of co-host Tim Green, also of Skaneateles.
At the show's end, Taylor will autograph CDs. As of press time, he noted, tickets for VIP seating likely will have sold out, and the remaining seats are selling quickly.
“Ben's just a humble, down-to-earth guy, and an incredible musician,” Strodel Jr. said. “We're thrilled to have him back.”
If you go
What: Skaneateles Area Arts Council's “Midsummer Night's Dream”
Where: Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center, 130 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 20
Cost: VIP tickets $250, $150 for patron seating and $100 for regular seating; advance purchase required
Info: Visit www.skaneateles.com, call 685-0552 or send a check payable to Skaneateles Arts Council, PO Box 422, Skaneateles, NY 13152
On his Web site, www.bentaylormusic.com, Taylor explains the meaning behind the odd title - sort of.
“There has always been and will always be Kung Folk,” he writes. “It's as predictable and sure as blossoms in the springtime ... and a kick in the face from a pretty girl.”
Soon, central New York residents will be able to hear Taylor's eclectic, instantly charming music for themselves.
On Sunday, Taylor, along with his accompanying band and their infectious, gentle-but-funky folk sound, will perform as the headlining act at the Skaneateles Area Arts Council's fourth annual summer gala, “A Midsummer Night's Dream.”
The decadent affair on the grounds of Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center also will feature Taylor's sister, Sally, along with an opening performance by British musician David Saw.
“Ben performed at our gala in 2006, and we ended up having to turn 150 people away,” said art council president Joe Strodel Jr. last week.
After seeing Taylor perform on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” he recalled, arts council board members thought he would be a perfect fit for the 2006 gala.
“And people just loved him, so we've decided to have him back again,” he added.
In a telephone interview from his Martha's Vineyard home, Taylor said he has fond memories of his previous appearance here.
“You know, for me it was all about that lake,” he said. “The lake completely drew me in ... I like water so much, and it was just incredible.”
Those attending the gala will hear live debuts of songs from his forthcoming album, “Kung Folk.” However, Taylor was reluctant to name songs he will perform “because if I say which songs, I'll be forced to play them,” he said.
He also further explained the meaning of “kung folk” - sort of.
“That's just me not taking myself seriously,” he said. “But at the same time, it's really who I am. I take music very seriously, almost like kung fu practice.”
With two music legends as parents, one might expect Taylor to churn out hit songs in his sleep. Taylor, however, doesn't see it that way.
“The nice thing for me is to have such a good mom and dad,” he said. “I guess the talent is there sort of subconsciously ... before they're famous musicians, they're great parents,” he added, noting that both Simon and James Taylor have homes on Martha's Vineyard too, so he sees both regularly.
Prior to the performances, guests will enjoy cocktails and dinner provided by Sherwood Inn and chef Chris Kuhn, a Skaneateles resident.
Skaneateles resident Julie Abbott will make her fourth appearance as the event's emcee, along with the debut of co-host Tim Green, also of Skaneateles.
At the show's end, Taylor will autograph CDs. As of press time, he noted, tickets for VIP seating likely will have sold out, and the remaining seats are selling quickly.
“Ben's just a humble, down-to-earth guy, and an incredible musician,” Strodel Jr. said. “We're thrilled to have him back.”
If you go
What: Skaneateles Area Arts Council's “Midsummer Night's Dream”
Where: Stella Maris Retreat and Renewal Center, 130 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 20
Cost: VIP tickets $250, $150 for patron seating and $100 for regular seating; advance purchase required
Info: Visit www.skaneateles.com, call 685-0552 or send a check payable to Skaneateles Arts Council, PO Box 422, Skaneateles, NY 13152
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