"Love being in a library," stated Cheryl as she took center stage armed with an acoustic guitar. She enthused that she is an avid reader thrilled to be in this room while poking fun at her looks and age. Jesting that if people came for the visual they will be disappointed then noting that at 63 it takes her 20 minutes to do anything. Continuing her self mockery she introduced the first song as "really ridiculous". It was a tune about cruise ships based on a 2010 report of a boat that was stranded for 3 day in the water. The hilarious hook line & title was "Pop Tarts and Spam" the food that was apparently flown in for the passengers during their ordeal. Cheryl's commentary about the possible onboard scene was funny and sadly most likely true.

Wheeler joked between tunes but also revealed some of the inspiration behind her music. The next song was an image filled piece about nice people in a nice neighborhood. Cheryl sang the song with emotion crafting a picture of a lady who brings plants and flowers all the time. Her next track was the humorous "My Cat's Birthday" and yes it was about a celebration for her cat Penrod. She countered it with the poignant "Summer's Almost Gone" a look at Cheryl's life and the wonderful things that have happened to her.

Wheeler mentioned touring with Kenny White joking that he was like her husband or as close as she would get. Away from home for weeks and on the road with Kenny, Cheryl penned a country song written from the perspective of a singer who is convinced that it would be a big hit. "Kenny's Song" had a bit of a twang to it but was more humorous with Wheeler at one point singing the refrain "I like my husband better than my wife" in a man's voice.

Switching to a ukulele Wheeler painted a poetic picture of fall in New England where she lives. Next, was her caustic commentary on greedy bankers in "Where's All the Money". She mused that in Santa Barbara she should have asked folks how's all the money? Her quips were sometimes harsh but we liked that she took some risks in a folk rock realm. Cheryl had a warm voice that worked well in both her emotional pieces as well as her funny bits all paired with strong strumming.

Mentioning the days, at least 4 iPhones back, Cheryl recalled that it was popular to have classical music as a ring-tone. With that idea in mind she incorporated parts of classical stanzas with lyrics about rude cell phones users. Wheeler shared a love song for her partner but later switched some of the words in a humorous version in which her partner was not as happy with her wife. She concluded her set with another track penned for her cat. Penrod apparently was not the most fastidious feline thus Wheeler's last tune was sort of a folk rap from Penrod's perspective - talk about cat-a-tude! Cheryl presented an amusing and melodic show. She was sharp witted yet a master of songcraft.

The New Legacy Concert Series at the Ringwood Public Library (RPL) is an on-going program of concerts presented on select Sundays. New Legacy showcases a broad range of blues, folk and rock artists in an intimate space surrounded by books. Frequently the musicians such as Cheryl Wheeler are available to meet and greet fans either before, during or after a show. Also prizes such as CDs and signed posters are often raffled off. SoundPress.net has spent many a pleasant afternoon at the RPL, often discovering a "new" artist.

Related Links: For more information on CHERYL WHEELER and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Cheryl Wheeler | Ringwood Library