Chagrin Falls “freak of nature” Fletcher Barton played NYC benefit concert – Sun Star Courier
By Lindsay Betz, Sun News
March 11, 2010, 12:08PM
Fletcher “Flea” BartonCHAGRIN FALLS — Is he a rock and roll superstar or just a normal fourth grader?
According to his parents, Fletcher “Flea” Barton, 10, is both.
This University School student from Chagrin Falls has been playing guitar for almost two years and already secured his first gig in New York City.
He took the stage last weekend at Webster Hall as one of seven featured acts at the Kids Helping Kids concert hosted by the Youth Arts Forum. The concert raised money to feed homeless children in the city.
He was accompanied by US ninth-graders Vikram Shankar, of Beachwood, and Zach Shapiro, of Shaker Heights, on drums and bass.
The trio played several of Fletcher’s original songs, along with some covers.
A ‘freak of nature’
When Fletcher was 8, his aunt bought him a junior guitar for Christmas, so he started taking lessons soon after.
Now, about 20 months later, he plays well beyond his years.
“I have been teaching for 15 years and Fletcher is definitely one of the most gifted students I have had,” teacher Nick Ammons, from the Paul
Green School of Rock, said in a press release.
“As long as he continues on the same path as he is on now, I look forward to taking some lessons from him someday.”
He also takes lessons from Neil Zaza, who describes Fletcher as a “freak of nature.”
Fletcher’s favorite type of music to listen to and play is metal. He draws inspiration from his favorite bands AC/DC, Ozzy Osbourne, Soundgarden and Green Day.
He was first exposed to metal music while listening to the radio during the 30 minute car rides to school with his dad Chris Barton, who is a Latin teacher at US.
“I also exposed him to opera, but that didn’t really stick,” Chris Barton said.
A mainstay on area stages
Fletcher Barton performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of fame with Beachwood residents Chandler Bogomolny, left, and Kyle Scharf. Since picking up the guitar, Fletcher has played shows at The Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame, the Beachland Ballroom, the Euclid Taverne and at coffee shops and private parties all over the city.
After learning only a few chords, Fletcher started writing his own music.
“I just go into the basement and make stuff up and try to remember it,” he said.
He also learned how to record songs on the computer and has released an album titled “Psycho Freaks are Dancing.”
He loves taking lessons and writing songs in the basement, but Fletcher said his favorite parts about playing are getting up on stage to perform and improvising guitar solos.
“I love being myself and playing the crowd is really fun,” he said.
Fletcher also plays in a band “The It,” with two friends who are about his age.
He’s a normal kid
Despite Fletcher’s uncanny musical abilities, mom and dad insist he is just a normal kid.
“He never calls himself a rock star,” dad Chris Barton said. “It’s his parents that brag. He’s very humble.”
And for those who doubt he is a regular kid, they need only read the “life tips” on his Web site, which include “Don’t stick peas in your nose” and “Don’t throw your mom down a cliff.”
His parents also insist Fletcher did not get his talent from them, although musical ability does run in the extended family.
Mom Joy Barton played snare drum in her high school marching band, but Chris Barton insists the only instrument he can play is the radio.
Fletcher has also taught himself to play bass and drums and has dabbled in piano and harmonica.
When he does not have an instrument in his arms, he likes experimenting with computer animation.
For more on Fletcher, visit fletcherbarton.com, e-mail guitar@fletcherbarton.com or watch his videos on You Tube.
Contact Betz at (216) 986-5867 or lbetz@sunnews.com