Musician makes living on love, song

His graying ponytail swinging between his shoulders and a picture of his son glued to his guitar, singer Randy Harwick slips easily into the role of Cupid.

"Success," he announced devilishly as Carol Costa, a recipient of a bouquet and serenade, began to weep mid-song. "That's six for six."

Friday was Harwick's foray into the world of singing telegrams, delivering flowers and songs from one valentine to another for Dayton Valley Florist and Nursery. Romantic music is old hat to this lifelong crooner. He admittedly makes a living on love and song.

Owner of a mobile music business at his home of Lake Tahoe, the 54-year-old singer is also a disc jockey for weddings. As an ordained minister, the Rev. Randy presides over weddings and will often sing a special tune mid-vow at the couple's request.

"I love music, and I love people," he said. "And singing seems to put a smile on everyone's face."

It moves them to tears, too.

Sylvia Lopez a Justice Court clerk, was Harwick's first stop in Carson City. She was reluctant to stand before the smiling man holding the guitar, but once he began to sing an Elton John number, she stopped hiding behind her flowers and dabbed at her eyes.

His next stop was the Department of Motor Vehicles, hunting for Beverly Fitzgibbon. Her daughter, Donna Piccolino, had sent a bouquet. Valentine's Day is special in this family - it's the day Donna was born.

"She's my perpetual Valentine," Fitzgibbon said throwing her arm around her 37-year-old daughter's shoulders. Fitzgibbon's cheeks were moist with tears after Harwick's original song and his reading of the card her daughter stuffed into the dozen roses.

"Thank you for my life," it read.

For 13 years, Harwick fronted the band Phoenix on Lake Tahoe's M.S. Dixie. He and his wife, Bobbie Amsterdam, also own and operate a housekeeping and caretaking business.

"I could be playing in front of large crowds one day and cleaning toilets the next," he said with a chuckle. "I guess that's God's way of keeping me humble."

With 20-year-old son Randall in college and aptly-named daughter Lyric, 12, still at home, Harwick is kept busy with daily chores, But song is in his blood, and whether he fronts a band again or not, it's unlikely his guitar will be very far away.

"I absolutely miss performing in front of crowds," he said. "But I'm not really looking to get back into it."

Today, Harwick will be out again delivering flowers and singing.

Lovebirds from Dayton to Carson City will feel a tug at their hearts, thanks to Harwick's emotional delivery.

"People seem to enjoy it so much. That's my reward," he said.

n Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.