The Barometer Online

Issue date: 2/16/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Cory Reed Jeff Silverman sings "How Sweet It Is" to Connie Braaten, Office Manager and Assistant Retail Supervisor at the MU on Friday morning. Silverman is a radio salesman for HOPE 107.9.

Dressed in garb resembling Poison's Bret Michaels, Jeff Silverman entered the MU on Friday in preparation for a Valentine's Day serenade of James Taylor's "How Sweet It Is."

Silverman, who works for local radio station Hope 107.9 during the day, has been a guitarist, singer and songwriter for more than 20 years and has recently begun to hone his skills to sing and play for special occasions around the city of Corvallis.

Silverman was in the MU to play for mother Connie Braaten, office manager and assistant retail supervisor, whose son Mike had ordered Silverman's services as a nontraditional Valentine's Day surprise.

"It's something different than the standard flowers. Plus my mom sings with Jeff sometimes at church," Braaten's son said.

He and his wife and younger brother appeared to watch the serenade and to wish their mother a happy Valentine's Day.

Braaten, upon being bombarded in her office by Silverman, her two sons, her daughter-in-law and some office co-workers, immediately started to cry after Silverman played the first few chords.

"I've never had anyone cry before," Silverman said.

At the time, Silverman had only performed about five or six of his serenading Valentines, but expected to do around 20 by the end of the weekend.

"I really wanted to use my talents and gifts to bring a smile to people's faces," Silverman said.

Silverman, who performs for a wide variety of occasions from birthdays to frat parties, said that choosing the right song is essential when doing a serenade, especially for someone's mother.

"We discussed song choice beforehand. When you're dedicating a song to your mom, you don't want it to be too sexy," he said.

"This is the best one I've done so far."

Silverman charges $75 for his services, and an extra $25 for a YouTube video.

"It brings a lot of joy to people. I think it's a special thought. You can personalize it, so it's better than traditional flowers or chocolate," he said.

Braaten was touched by the gesture and explained that she had spent the morning watching a similar serenade on TV and had cried then, too.

"They're always so thoughtful. I feel totally blessed. I have three sons, two daughters-in-law and four grandchildren that all live close to me. Family is what it's all about."



Candice Ruud, news editor

news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231

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