Getting to meet performers in person is always fun. Around St. Louis, there is a rich variety of songwriters and I heard about Gary Schoenberger before I got to hear him. At the open mic at Webster Gardens Cafe, Gary hosts and we talked a bit after playing. Gary follows the tradition of storytellers. Click play on his song “Broken” and read about his background and the song below.
I asked Gary to share his story, the rest of the post are his words.
Schoenberger’s Story
I’m a St. Louis born and bred singer/songwriter. I’ve traveled quite a bit and even played some shows in Australia. I wouldn’t live anywhere else. Through all of life’s ups and downs, the one constant in my life has always been music. From backyard bands, to playing before 350,000 people in 1981. A big horn band to solo, blues to bluegrass. It’s been music.
I’ve always written. I draw inspiration from love and loss, happy and sad, and the older I get…refection on a life well lived and far from over. My best songs are the ones that seem to channel through me. I’m always recording ideas, words and or phrases on my phone or computer, (I can hardly read my own handwriting). When performing my own material I can usually draw on what originally inspired the song and can even get choked up on occasion. I hope that I’m able to communicate these feelings to my audience.
On June 12, 2012 I suffered a catastrophic horseback riding accident which left me paralyzed from the neck down for several months. It’s been a long road back and credit my family and friends as much as my medical and physical therapy team. Gotta give props to the man upstairs too.
After the accident the docs told my wife that I’d never play again, (nobody told me). She just told me about a year ago. Anyway, I’ve proved them wrong big time, releasing my debut CD Broken last year. The title song was inspired by the accident. It’s available at my shows and all the usual online outlets.
Gary Schoenberger Bio
Whether performing solo or with my band, the Perfect Strangers, I enjoy playing music as much as ever…maybe more…yea more. Please check out my website garyschoenberger.com and listen to some tracks. Friend me on Facebook too and visit us at our cafe/music venue, the Webster Groves Garden Cafe where we showcase some of the best local talent in the area as well as artists from as far away as Memphis, TN and Alaska. We have a great Open Mic on Thursday from 7-9 as well.