If you missed Gene Bowshier's previous performance at the Terrace Cafe' Lounge in Findlay, he will return August 3rd and 4th with his energetic outlaw country-style performance. I had the opportunity to see Gene perform live and this is one weekend you won't want to miss.
This artist has alot happening in his career including a national compilation release through Madacy Entertainment and Universal Music Distribution, that features his song "Good Year For The Outlaw" to be in WalMart, K-Mart and BestBuy for a May 8th street date. On this special two CD project it pairs Gene with such other legendary artists as Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Hank Jr., Lefty Frizzell, Montgomery Gentry, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many others. "I am honored to be on a compilation CD with these great legends," says Gene.
Gene has finished recording his debut release in Nashville and is looking forward to it's release, along with a new radio single. Among the many great tracks that have been recorded it also features a special guest appearance by Jimmy Fortune of the Statler Brothers on a patriotic song, "Thank You" (To The American Soldier) which has been picked up by Troop Talk Radio, a nationally syndicated program on the Jones Radio Network.
You can also visit him online at www. myspace.com/genebowshier for a schedule of upcoming performances.
While playing a show with Billy Currington recently, Gene performed his song "If She Was Your Little Girl" written by Jim Bloomfield that made a fan think about her sister who was in a treatment program called "Off The Streets." Off The Streets is derived from "S.A.G.E." (Standing Against Global Exploitation) which helps women and girls get off the streets from a life of prostitution and drugs, provide shelter, medical assistance, counsel, educate and job train to help them re-enter society with a higher level of self-esteem. These incredible organizations want to use Gene's song "If She Was Your Little Girl" for a national campaign to raise more awareness and funding.Visit www.cincinnatiunionbethel.org/ womens.asp and www. sagesf. org for more information.
Born and raised in Springfield, Ohio to Donnie & Ann Bowshier, Gene came from a big family of five brothers and four sisters.
Gene has been around country music his whole life, inspired by his father (best known as "Little Donnie Bowshier") who in the late 50's wrote country chart hits "Stoneheart" and "I Love You Baby."
Gene remembers his fathers legacy as a man that, at the age of two, was afflicted with polio and was to never walk again. Seeing how his father dealt with his handicap, striving to put that aside and become a great singer and songwriter inspired Gene.
"I never looked at my father as a handicap, I didn't see his wheel chair when I looked at him. What I saw was my hero, a man that I wanted to be when I grew up." When Gene was very young, his father used to take him to his shows. At age nine, Gene visited night clubs taking it all in, watching his father entertain, and show off his God-given talents.
"This is when I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up!" Most people don't believe Gene was very shy at a younger age because of his high energy shows today. While out with friends, they encouraged Gene to get up and sing. The response he received reminded him of how people responded to his father. That same feeling keeps Gene performing today!
Gene says he loves his fans.
"Without fans, an artist is nobody. That's what it is all about - are the fans."
Gene formed his own band "The Stoneharts" (in memory of his father) that has created much attention among fans, packing clubs and venues everywhere they play. They have opened for such acts as Blake Shelton, Billy Currington and Pam Tillis while singing on stage with the lead singer of Yankee Grey and country music legend David Frizzell.
Paying his dues in the small club circuit has proven to be a great field to learn and hone his craft as an entertainer. With incredibly-strong vocals laden with passion, he interprets songs perfectly to captivate his audience into the feel of every verse. His ability to command a stage quickly shows that his professionalism lends to raise the level of crowd excitement to a point of frenzy.
"I have a few dreams that I hope to make come true in my lifetime and the biggest is to become a singer and entertainer like my hero as mentioned earlier. I believe that with a lot of hard work and a lot of help from my manager, Jerry Adams, leading me in the right direction, I truly believe it will happen and my father will be looking down on me with a big ol smile!"
