Music vet and New Times scribe Lee Zimmerman offers his insights, opinions, and observations about the local scene. This week: He may have lost his sight, but one local musician refuses to be deterred from achieving his dreams.
Born and raised in Miami, Zhen's musical trajectory began in the usual way. He began playing keyboards in high school, formed local band Some People's Children in the late '80s, and went on to join local faves Black Janet a short time after. In addition, he worked with his side band, Son of Elektra, which garnered its own local following as well as a South Florida Rock Award and a Jammy nomination for Best Keyboardist in 1993. His musical endeavors continued with a stint as the keyboard player in the band Love Canal, which was tapped by Sony for a development deal.
"That's when the story was supposed to end and fade into comfortable suburban bliss," Zhen mused.
Gradually over the course of the next several days, the left eye worsened," Zhen recounted.
I am beyond lucky."
Check him out at georgezhen.com. You may just be moved.