The sound of Ricky Nelson singing and playing guitar on “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” in the ’60s turned on a light bulb in a 10-year-old boy’s head.
The boy, Charles Martin, was learning how to strum a guitar. Five decades later, Martin, a well-known Gainesville musician and UF chemistry professor, is finally bringing his ’60s variety show inspiration to life.
Martin collaborated with other local talent to create a variety act called “Chuck Martin’s Genius Boy Music Show.” The show begins at 9 p.m. Thursday at The Bull, 18 SW First Ave.
The show features Martin, the host, and his Genius Boy band. Guest acts include singer Michelle Banfield, musicians Rob McGregor and Tom Miller and comedian Jason Hedges.
Martin said he loves the idea of a variety show setup, because it is different from the band setting he is used to.
With bands, Martin would have to coordinate practice and performance times with other members. By hosting his own show, he gets to collaborate with great performers, while calling all of the shots.
“These musicians that are in the show are the cream of the Gainesville crop,” Martin said. “The audience will be blown away by the acts I have set up, especially with the powerhouse voice Michelle [Banfield] has.”
Martin said the show will feature many genres of music, including the soul, R&B and Rockabilly styles he enjoys.
Banfield said she’s excited for the audience to see a different side of her musical talent. She will perform a five-song set list that will incorporate different genres of music.
With McGregor and Miller in the group, Gainesville’s strong music scene will be at the show.
McGregor has recorded many local bands and just released a solo album that is in a league of its own. Miller is an artist with many talents, and attendees will enjoy his deep-rooted passion for music. Hedges will arrive at the show fresh off of a recent stand-up performance with Robin Williams, Martin said.
The variety show Martin has created is the culmination of everything that inspired him musically as a child.
“I’m always doing something new because it’s a part of who I am,” Martin said. “I don’t know if anyone has done a show like this before, but I knew I had to put on a show that brought back the nostalgia of the shows I loved watching as a child.”
Martin said he has high expectations for this show, which he hopes he’ll get to perform again in the new year.
“This act I would take anywhere, on any stage,” Martin said. “I’d defy anybody who says, ‘Oh, I could do better than that,’ because there isn’t anybody better, truthfully.”
Charles Martin, a UF chemistry professor and local musician, will be the host of “Chuck Martin’s Genius Boy Music Show” on Thursday.
