When he was a young man living in Germany, singer Kerst J. Lehmann thought his career would be as a pro soccer player rather than in music. However, when Lehmann moved to America, he became a lot more interested in becoming the next Michael Buble rather than the next Lionel Messi.
“When I was born in 1989, the Berlin Wall collapsed and East Germans heard the wonderful sounds on radio from American singers like Michael Buble who became very popular. Guided by my grandparents who were operetta singers, I sought and loved the American crooners who performed songs written with powerful lyrics and melodies. I made up my mind to emigrate to America (specifically South Florida) and consider a career in music,” said the 36-year-old Lehmann in a phone interview from his residence in Boca Raton.
Lehlmann will showcase his singing performing in his “Black Tie Optional” concerts in tribute to Michael Buble and the other great crooners of the Great American Songbooks on Friday, Nov. 7 at Galuppi’s Restaurant in Pompano Beach and Thursday, Nov. 20 at Aventura Arts and Cultural Center in Aventura.
Singer Kert J. Lehmann performs in two “Black Tie Optional” concerts on Friday Nov. 7 in Pompano Beach and on Thursday, Nov. 20 at Aventura Arts and Cultural Center.
However, soccer still existed as a means to an end for Lehmann when he arrived in South Florida in 2002. Lehmann enrolled as an undergraduate at Lynn University and played soccer for the Lynn University varsity team on a scholarship
“I just did not know if I was going to continue to develop myself in soccer which I did in Germany or pursue a singing career. My parents always thought I would excel in soccer because I competed in sports when I was a teen in East Germany.”
“However, as I continued to get feedback from friends on how good I was singing, I became more determined than ever to have a career in music and developed my style, being influenced by Michael Buble, Al Green, Frank Sinatra and many of the other singers that I admire.”
From his base in Boca Raton, Lehmann, without a vocal coach, sings in the style of Michael Buble and the Great American Songbook singers, generating a following for his talent. Although he is keeping his day job working in marketing, Lehmann has booked himself in 12 venues over the next three months in Florida with his “Black Tie Optional” concerts.
“What I want to do is express my love for the Great American Songbook. I see the faces in the audience express such delight to hear the songs of Michael Buble and all the great artists that will forever be remembered for their wonderful songs.”
Along with performing “Sway” by Michael Buble, Lehmann will also perform “Just The Way You Look Tonight” and “My Way” by Frank Sinatra, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” by Tony Bennett. “My Cherie Amour” by Stevie Wonder, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” by Frankie Valli,among many other songs in the 70 minute one act concert..
Performing with Lehmann in his seven member band are: Luke Basso on congas and trumpet, Cassio Coutinho on keyboard, Ron Fattorusso on flute and saxophone, Hosny Franck on drums, Matthew Johnson on bass, David Levitan on trombone and Paul Stewart on guitar.
Lehmann will perform with a quintet at Galuppi’s Restaurant and with the seven member band at Aventura Arts and Cultural Center in Aventura.
“I am proud of all I accomplished this far in music and I have no regrets at all for not pursuing soccer as my career,” said Lehmann.
Singer Kerst J. Lehmann performs in “Black Tie Optional”, a concert in tribute to Michael Buble and other Great American Songbook singers in concert on Friday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Galuppi’s Restaurant, 1103 N. Federal Hwy. in Pompano Beach. All tickets are $35 and a three course dinner prior to the concert can be purchased for an additional $40. For tickets and more information, call 954-785-0226 or go to galuppis.com
Lehmann performs “Black Tie Optional” also on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Aventura Arts and Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188 Street in Aventura. Tickets range from $35-$58. For tickets and more information, call 954-462-0222.
