Putnam Teen: 'I'm Trying to Cheer People Up'

Billy Borchert knows he's not alone when it comes to his love for music.

That's why the 19-year-old Patterson resident has taken up to spontaneous jam sessions in parking lots around town.

Sitting on a curb outside McDonald's on Route 22 in Southeast Tuesday, Borchert said he concentrates on "mostly old school stuff," like the Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival and the Rolling Stones.

"I'm just trying to give back to the public, that's all I'm trying to do," the 2011 graduate of Brewster High School said, guitar in hand.

And while some folks are happy to hear the music—he's made up to $48 in tips in an hour—he's often asked to leave because he's considered a solicitor. Most of the time he's "in and out" of a location in 15 minutes. 

But Borchert, who identifies himself as a drummer playing guitar on the side, said he's got "big time" career goals when it comes to music, and he'll continue to play around the area when he's not working at a local cafe. He's planning to line up some gigs this summer. 

"You'd be surprised how many people still love music," he said when asked what the response is from drivers passing through. "Most people enjoy it. Even when people have frowns on their face, I'm trying to cheer them up. People love music, people love fun, and music and fun together, there's nothing better than that."