The Jazz Stone

Vocalist and acoustic guitarist Doug Coventry is becoming familiar to many Charlotte County audiences. A frequent performer at Fisherman's Village, Cafe Ruelle and Presseller's Delicatessen, Coventry took the stage Friday evening at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church as part of the church's monthly 'Thank God It's Variety' series.
BSPC Director of the Arts Jeff Jordan was right on target when he introduced Coventry as "One of those local folks who have tons of talent."
With his clear, wide-range voice, Coventry's music is reminiscent of Don McLean and John Denver, combined with the smooth, easy sounds of James Taylor. His performance of "Vincent" ("Starry Starry Night"), written and recorded by McLean in 1971, was one of the finest moments in Friday's program.
Favoring the songs he grew up with, Coventry delivered many from whom he calls "the J's" - Denver, Taylor, and Jim Croce - as well as other artists from the 1970's.
Coventry said he likes to let his music do the talking and he does just that. Whether singing Croce's memorable "Time in a Bottle", Bread's longingly romantic "Everything I Own", Taylor's lilting "Something In The Way She Moves", or Denver's poetic "Fly Away", Coventry commands attention to the words. He said, "the greatest songs are songs with stories" and his style is clearly that of a romantic balladeer. - Herald-Tribune

It was a hot summer night and sounds of John Denver's "Fly Away" drifted through the air at the Cafe Ruelle Coffee House and Wine Bar in downtown Punta Gorda. While folks sipped drinks, nibbled on decadent desserts, chatted and laughed, Doug Coventry and his guitar kept the atmosphere relaxed and romantic.
Coventry, who classifies himself as a contemporary folk artist, is good at setting such a mood. The week before, he sang and played at the nearby River City Grill. The third Thursday of most months he can be found at one Punta Gorda establishment or another, lending his musical ambience to Gallery Walk night.
Last season, he became a familiar voice at Amore's Restaurant in Venice. On Aug. 24th, he will perform in concert at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. Over the past couple of years, Coventry has enjoyed gigs at Charlotte County YMCA events, American Business Women's Association programs, the Hibiscus Festival, Fisherman's Village events and more.
With a musical background built on what he calls the three J's - James Taylor, Jim Croce, and John Denver - Coventry's repertoire expands from the likes of America, Bread, Cat Stevens, and Elton John to his own contemporaries, including Kenny Chesney, Ray Lamontagne, John Mayer and Amos Lee.
Though Coventry had learned to play the piano as a child, his musical interest did not take off until he was working towards his bachelor's degree in theatre education at Appalachian State University in North Carolina.
He had always liked to sing, and, in order to accompany himself, he bought a $100 used guitar and a John Denver Easy Guitar Book, and set out to learn "Sunshine On My Shoulders". He estimates that now he can play up to eight hours without repeating a song.
After five years in the music business, Coventry said he is ready to move on to the next level. He has contacted an agent and hopes to sing for larger audiences at fairs and festivals and to play some of his own music.
But music has not replaced Coventry's first love - theatre and working with children.
"I probably want to be in theatre as much as I want to be in music, and in music as much as I want to be in theatre," he said. "I enjoy working with kids. It's a lot of fun."
During the school year, Coventry teaches theater classes at private schools and with home school groups. He works with the Performing Arts Development Cooperative of Punta Gorda, an organization for children interested in theater and ballet.
Recently, Coventry began presenting what he calls Kidshows - 20 to 25 minute productions, including puppetry, music, improvisation, storytelling and juggling.
He intends to market the Kidshows to fairs, festivals, parties, libraries, churches and other events geared to children.
To contact Coventry, e-mail dugglejug@hotmail.com. - Herald Tribune

Vocalist and acoustic guitarist Doug Coventry is becoming familiar to many Charlotte County audiences. A frequent performer at Fisherman's Village, Cafe Ruelle and Presseller's Delicatessen, Coventry took the stage Friday evening at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church as part of the church's monthly 'Thank God It's Variety' series.
BSPC Director of the Arts Jeff Jordan was right on target when he introduced Coventry as "One of those local folks who have tons of talent."
With his clear, wide-range voice, Coventry's music is reminiscent of Don McLean and John Denver, combined with the smooth, easy sounds of James Taylor. His performance of "Vincent" ("Starry Starry Night"), written and recorded by McLean in 1971, was one of the finest moments in Friday's program.
Favoring the songs he grew up with, Coventry delivered many from whom he calls "the J's" - Denver, Taylor, and Jim Croce - as well as other artists from the 1970's.
Coventry said he likes to let his music do the talking and he does just that. Whether singing Croce's memorable "Time in a Bottle", Bread's longingly romantic "Everything I Own", Taylor's lilting "Something In The Way She Moves", or Denver's poetic "Fly Away", Coventry commands attention to the words. He said, "the greatest songs are songs with stories" and his style is clearly that of a romantic balladeer. - Herald-Tribune