He is a husband, a father, a friend, and a musician. But most of all, he is an entertainer.

To some, he is an unknown legend. But for those who have experienced a performance by local musician Chris Logsdon, they know they will walk away with more than a buzz and the simple idea of spending an evening in a bar.

Instead, they leave with a contagious smile and a memory in their pocket to replace the money squandered on drinks.

Logsdon’s love for music came to be after performing in his church choir as a child. His love increasingly grew into a passion for performing classic rock songs ranging from the Eagles to Jimmy Buffet.

For Logsdon, music is a medicine, a drug of which he can never get enough. It is a tool for venting, but more importantly, it is an outlet into the minds and hearts of his fans.

“The music I play is nothing more than the key I use to unlock their inhibitions and turn them on to a good time,” Logsdon said. “I refuse to settle with being background music. I believe that my job as an entertainer is to move my audience to respond to me. That response – be it a smile or a tear, a curse or a cheer – is my reward.”

A graduate of Ohio State, Logsdon began playing the campus scene during his junior year after friends commented on his talent.

He describes himself as a quiet man and compares himself to the slightly nerdy, but big-hearted Paul Pfieffer of the television show, “The Wonder Years.”

“I may be able to get in front of a crowd of 500 people and sing to them, but I’m pretty much a reserved guy, maybe even shy,” Logsdon said. “The first time I realized I needed to play was after hearing a choir accompanied by an electric guitar play Kansas’, ‘Dust in the Wind.’ I was in awe. After that, I bought my first guitar from the JCPenny’s catalog for $65.”

Although Logsdon is drawn by an unavoidable magnetic force to music and lyrics, he said he strives to dedicate his life and time to his family. As a performer, Logsdon’s salary is dependent solely on four shows a week which allows him time to spend with his family.

“I have my wife and I have five children. I believe my job on earth is to raise my children, and actually have the time to be a ‘real’ dad. That’s the most important thing to me,” Logsdon said. ” They are such a gift.”

Every Tuesday night for the past two years, Logsdon has played his routine gig at Ledo’s on High Street. Monica Burns, co-owner of Ledo’s said she is continuously impressed by Logsdon’s heart, character and professionalism. She said she considers him a part of the Ledo’s family.

Since Logsdon has performed at Ledo’s, the normal business for a Tuesday night has more than quadrupled, averaging nearly 600 people a night. Burns said Logsdon has become a vital commodity to their business, but more importantly, has become a friend.

“Chris is a very unique individual, and I can’t say enough good things about him,” Burns said. “One time for Christmas he made all the employees at Ledo’s a Christmas CD and even bought the maintenance man, JoJo, a Christmas gift.

“He’s such a compassionate man. He has truly turned this place around,” she said.

For the past two years, Andrea Miller, a senior in business marketing and logistics, has shared in the entertaining environment Logsdon produces for his fans. Miller said she is impressed by Logsdon’s ability to draw the crowd together with his charisma and said she is surprised he has not played outside of Ohio.

“He has such a great stage presence that allows for everyone to relate to the music,” Miller said. “I am shocked that his musical talents and entertaining abilities haven’t taken him to places like Florida, or other tourist towns with fun, entertaining music bars.”

Logsdon, now 42 years old, is pleased with his growing popularity and credits it to the fans who have been with him since the beginning.

Ten years ago, Chris Johnson, a graduate of OSU, met Logsdon at the Street Scene during one of Logsdon’s sets. He said he was immediately intrigued by the musicians ability to connect and share the same mind-frame with another generation.

“I love watching him play. He hears and knows everything that the crowd wants,” Johnson said. “I’ve seen people mutter a song they would like to hear under their breath, not thinking Chris would hear them. Next thing you know, the next chord Chris hit’s on his guitar is the song the person requested. Then, he just shoots them a smile.”

Throughout his own musical career, Logsdon has made an effort to help others along the way. He said he appreciates all music and applauds the efforts of others who attempt to share how they interpret a song lyric or mood.

Sudhir Ranganath, a graduate of OSU, met Logsdon 13 years ago while performing at an open mic night. After the set, Logsdon approached him about the opportunity to sing between sets.

Ranganath describes his long time friend as a man full of heart and generosity. He said he looks to him as a model of success.

“The fact kids still come out – after 21 years – to watch Chris play, is quite a testament,” Ranganath said. “As a musician myself, the competitive side of me will never understand how people just keep coming back. But the admirer side of me knows exactly why and will always keep coming back too.”

Logsdon said music is his calling and knows he is extremely blessed to pursue a career he loves. Although he is unsure about his future plans for performing, he said there will come a time when he must hang it up.

“When my youngest daughter is old enough to drink in the bar I’m playing in, then I’ll know my time is done,” Logsdon said. “I have just been blessed to find something I’m uniquely good at and able to build a life upon.”