PHOTO BY PAULA MULLER
Claudia Pollock, a 14-year-old from Marblehead, plays the piano at Kats Boutique as part of the “Ramblin’ Rose” event.
SWAMPSCOTT — Kats Boutique celebrated a year in business with a musical performance by 14-year-old Claudia Pollock.
Pollock, of Marblehead, has been taking piano lessons with Kats co-owner, Katerina Nenshati. She has been working with Brian Maes, a Lynn musician.
The performance was part of the “Ramblin’ Rose” event, inspired by the Nat King Cole song, which also celebrated the first year in business for the mother and daughter owners with free fashion shoots. Ana Nenshati, Katerina’s daughter, co-owns the boutique. The pair has also put on a series of poetry events, but Pollock is the first musical guest.
“Ramblin Rose reflects someone who takes life as it comes and is unfazed by the troubles and challenges,” Katerina Nenshati said. “Pretty much how our year felt for us.”
Pollock attends Shore County Day School in Beverly and recently played Mary Poppins in a school musical production. In her spare time, she volunteers to perform for nursing homes, but typically plays for school concerts.
Her original song, Star Crossed Lovers, is available on iTunes and was one of the pieces the singer-songwriter and pianist performed on Sunday at Kats for about 15 people. She also performed two classical songs by Frederic Chopin, Spring Song and Rainbow Prelude.
Pollock said she was drawn to the piano at a young age. She likes the way singing and the instrument sound together.
“I was young and I wanted to start an instrument,” she said. “I just loved the way a piano sounded. As soon as I started it, I loved it.”
Pollock said she wants a career making music.
Katerina Nenshati said Pollock is special. Besides being a classical student, she challenges herself.
“I want to share her talent with our customers and clientele,” she said.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.
