Whistling in two-part harmony isn’t the only thing that sets musician and composer Howlett Smith apart from the rest.
Smith, who will perform on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church, began his professional music career at the age of 14 and, despite congenital blindness, has maintained a successful and diverse career ever since. Smith began studying music at the age of eight at the School for the Deaf and the Blind in Tucson, Ariz. and later earned a degree in music from the University of Arizona. Though he received a scholarship for graduate studies, Smith was eager to do what he loves most-perform music. “Smitty,” as his fans know him, began performing (as a pianist/vocalist/whistler) at Bob Burns restaurant in Santa Monica in 1982 and was the bar’s featured artist for the ensuing 20 years until its recent closure. Smith has also distinguished himself as an accomplished arranger and composer. He has written a number of musicals and was the music director for the hit Broadway show “Me and Bessie,” starring Linda Hopkins.
Currently showing in the Los Angeles area is Smith’s two-act musical “The Carpenter.” Written and directed by Smith, the musical depicts the life of Christ and will be performed on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church.
More information can be obtained by calling 310.456.2361. Smith can also be seen at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Marina del Rey at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings.