Opera is an age old form of expression. It was created to express the innermost feelings and desires of the composer. Opera, for some, is synonymous with long tedious hours listening to people scream in foreign languages. Punk rock and opera—how does that work? The answer can be found right here in our sleepy little town of Rehoboth.

Rehoboth Beach resident Kevin Smith is a creative artist who has put his life story to music. Instead of fat chicks, multiple murders or complicated love affairs, we get a modern day man telling his life story in music—and not in a classical music format but that of punk rock music. He takes two forms of musical expression and combines them to form something truly unique and imaginative.

I first got the chance to hear Kevin Smith play a few songs from his punk rock opera, A Smith from a Steel Town at CAMP Rehoboth’s 2006 Follies. While not a fan of punk rock, I found his music refreshing and creative and I wanted to hear more. Then I found out that he was debuting more of his piece in Rehoboth at the Double L.

The performance was terrific. Kevin and his band mates put their heart and soul into their new project. You can tell they are all invested in making the performance a success. I walked away with the feeling that I had just seen something that will go on to be big. The opera tells the story of a "Smith" who after his sister’s death goes on to find himself in a complex and challenging world. The version I saw at the Double L was a rough cut of what will eventually become a full length production with sets, 21 scenes, and 15 actors.

Kevin first started writing punk rock opera pieces in the early 80s. He cites the influences of Kiss, Stephen Sondheim and his family as getting him prepared for a career in the world of music. One of his first pieces was written during the AIDS crisis in the 80s called Vampire Schmanpire which benefited an AIDS organization. Other works of his include Tattoo of Obtainable Love and many other original songs and compositions. He started writing Smith from a Steel Town when his sister passed away. The telling of his story through music was therapy for him. Kevin says the piece was written to celebrate life—and heal the world around him.

Art, like families, comes in all shapes, sizes and colors. Open your mind, think outside of the box, and be sure to catch the music of Kevin Smith.