This Friday, April 20, local singer-songwriter Alex Boatman will be performing at the Le Moyne Campus Pub and at ‘Phin Fest on Saturday, April 28 with his band, the Boatmen. Boatman, hailing from Syracuse, NY, has been writing and performing music since his teenage years.

“My godfather gave me my first guitar as a confirmation gift,” Boatman said. “He then followed it up with my favorite piece of advice I’ve ever received: ‘don’t be a dick.’”

“By the time I taught myself how to play a few chords and to sing while strumming,” he continued, “my godfather had left his wife and daughter to move south with another woman. The first song I ever wrote was about my godfather… being a dick.”

The Boatmen formed in 2009, released a self-titled album and played at venues around Central New York. After a short break, the band is busy working on their next album and performance schedule.

“We’re halfway done recording our second album and I couldn’t be more excited with the way things are going,” Boatman said. “We’ve got a bunch of shows booked up around CNY at some amazing places.”

Unlike most musicians, Boatman covers a number of music genres in his concerts.

“I love all kinds of music,” Boatman said. “I’ve got some upbeat tunes, some darker tunes, some folk and some funk. I write with emotion, usually based on personal experiences, and I never limit myself. Every song paints its own picture.”

“My band and I always aim to entertain,” he added. “At bars, we’ll break out a lot of popular classic and modern rock songs that anyone can enjoy.”

Overall, Boatman simply wants audiences to have a good time.

“During my shows, I love interacting with the crowd, throwing in humor and funny stories,” Boatman said. “You can’t beat laughter and music. I simply want everyone to walk away having had an enjoyable experience.”

Boatman’s performance at the Pub will take place Friday, April 20 at 9 p.m. Boatman will also be seen with his band, the Boatmen, at ‘Phin Fest on Saturday, April 20.