LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Anthony Neves, one of the vocalists performing at the Lake County Symphony Associaton’s Dec. 17 holiday concert, has been a singer with the Funky Dozen for about five years.

He calls his singing style as one that is “more soulful.” Some have compared it to a Joe Cocker sound.

“But I will sing any style,” he said. “Depending on the event, it might be more like Frank Sinatra.”

Neves moved to Lake County about 16 years ago and has been singing a variety of music at many different venues since his arrival.

His first singing gig here was at the Saw Shop Restaurant in Kelseyville and he is still there on the first Thursday of every month, singing along with his recorded tracks.

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Neves found a home in Lake County. “I needed a change, and I adopted Lake County.”

It helped that he had family members who lived here, and he was familiar with the area. Neves says his 30-year singing career has worked out well for him. “I have been able to support myself mostly through my music and work occasional side jobs when I need to.”

A degree he earned in Culinary Arts from Woodland College is used solely for personal enrichment.

“It’s a good skill to have and I’m glad I learned how to make a good meal for myself. Baking has become a hobby of mine,” he said.

He shares mouth-watering photographs of his cooking and baking expertise on his Facebook page, along with videos of musical performances that demonstrate his wide range of styles.

Neves keeps busy. In addition to performing with The Funky Dozen, he sings at local wineries and community events like the August car show in Library Park for Operation Tango Mike.

Last year he sang the “Star Spangled Banner” at the Veterans Day dinner at Konocti Vista Casino when the roomful of vets started singing along.

“It was an intense moment. I started to choke up and almost lost it!” But Neves didn’t let his emotions get in the way. He did it all over again last month at the Veterans Day dinner.