Local singer-songwriter gets set for Covert Avenue Street Fair

For Franklin Square’s Luis Moreno, dabbling in music was always a hobby he enjoyed in his spare time, but he never anticipated putting together an album and developing a fan base both in the United States and in Europe. Moreno, who is the Retail Manager of the Graham Garden Center in Franklin Square, released the album “This is Me” in 2011. He will also be performing at the Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce Street Fair on Sept. 8 at 3 p.m.

A Los Angeles native, Moreno is no stranger to the art world. He worked in the theatre industry in California before moving to the New York area in 1999. While working at Graham Garden Center, Moreno found himself continually writing music inspired by the likes of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits. “I found such enjoyment with their writing style,” Moreno said.

In 2009 he developed a friendship with producer Doug Kwartler who encouraged Moreno to consider recording some of his songs, from there things began to change. Moreno’s music is an extension of himself the artist said. Hearing his words broadcast to a public audience was an odd adjustment to make. “You tend to believe you’re never going to be heard so you write really honestly,” he said. “Art is always a way of expressing.”

Most of the tracks on “This is Me” are what Moreno considers “roots rock,” but his writing style is constantly changing the artist said. Following the release of his first album, Moreno went on a tour up and down the east coast. At a stop in Nashville, a radio promoter liked Moreno’s style and pushed some of his songs on the radio; audiences liked his style too. The album peaked at No. 5 on Billboards’ Independent Chart.

Moreno said he is looking forward to playing in his own backyard. Many of his album sales came through acquaintances at the Graham Garden Center who promoted his music. He also developed a following in the United Kingdom and Spain, but Moreno looks forward to serenading his own neighbors. For those who don’t know Moreno outside of his day-to-day business persona, seeing him on stage will be an eye-opener. “When you put a guitar in front of me, you get a sense of who I really am,” Moreno said.

Moreno will be playing at the soundstage located on Covert Avenue toward the Tulip Avenue intersection between both Floral Park and Stewart Manor Villages.

“This Is Me” is available on iTunes, Amazon, Amazon UK, CD Baby and through his official website, www.morenomusic.com.