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.”