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Halton Theatre serves as a large living room for Charlotte's music family
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Three times a year John Tosco hosts an intimate musical get-together for the music fans within the Charlotte area in his living room - well it's grown so big he now has to rent out a living room. Currently the 1,000 seat Dale F. Halton Theater on the CPCC campus is that initimate setting. There was a time when he'd throw a few nibbles on the coffee table and everyone would be good to go. Today it takes a small army of friends donating substantial amounts of time, patience, and love to organize and ensure the success of this music appreciation night for the regions music fans, students & practioneers.
What began as a sing-along is today more like a musical production in execution, but feels like a sing-along as everyone gets the opportunity to share in the joy of singing without revealing their vocal talent - there's strength in numbers! Fortunately the TMP Sing-along choir is composed of local singer-songwriters with the talent to lead (carry) the audience through.
Remaining true to its mission, the Tosco Music Party organization presented a wide variety of acoustic music in a supportive environment Saturday night. Most amazing are the next generation of talented musicians, singers and songwriters whom John manages to introduce us to at each show. Justice Michael, a 10 year old drumming sensation from Atlanta led off the show with a bang Saturday night. Additionally Natalie Royal, a very talented singer-songwriter who is a senior in a local Charlotte High School, performed a couple of songs off her newly released self-titled demo CD which features 7 of her original songs.
Geographic diversity and cutural exchange were also supported as the JUPUSA Peruvian Choir took the stage and shared a couple of traditional Peruvian tunes. Another special treat was the acoustic perfomance by South African singer-songwriter Justin Taylor. Justin recently released a new CD entitled Justin Taylor - From Tienie Street.
The church in John's musical mind is a place in which professional and amateur musicians can meet, network, inspire, share and contribute to the community. In fact its a component of the TMP mission statement. If nothing else, the Tosco Music Party achieves this objective not only for the performers who have donated their time but for all whom attend. Not only is this a fantastic musical show which consistently attracts the best musical talent in the region, its a time and a place where you can have a chat with the musicians. If you're pressed for time, then intermission is a great time ot pick up a CD from your favorite artist. If you have a little more time then after the show is best to have a CD autographed, sign a mailing list, or just catch up on what's been happening with them.
The old saying - and the hits just keep on comin' - was very appropriate tonight as gifted musicians followed each other to the stage to share their talent with the 1,000 or so people in attendance. The members of the Statesville band "Joint Heir" were the first musical group to take the stage and demonstrate some multi-part gospel harmonies supported by a tightly knitted neo-soul groove. Performers such as Kyler England and Adrianne who were in town from Los Angeles while songs from their band The Resues were getting air time on the hit TV show Grey's Anatomy. We were lucky enough to get a first hand serenade from these gifted singer-songwriters. Other sing-songwriters who graced the stage and shared their talents this night included Americana folk legend Chuck Brodsky, folk singer Kate Campbell, Tim Lemmond, and the insanely gifted songwriter & vocalist Jon Michaels. Legendary guitar picker and renouned guitar teacher Rolly Brown shared his talent on the acoustic guitar while pianists Rudy Currence and Robert Thomas each entertained on the Yamaha Grand ivories as well as showing off some vocal prowess. Other groups who graced the stage were The WBT Briarhoppers, Ronnda Cadle & The String Poets and JustinCase.
This was once again a fantastic musical event made possible by John, the executive committee of the TMP organization, the musicians who donate their talents, and the many volunteers who make this event possible at an extremely low price of admission. Non-profit doesn't mean non-professional as this is as professional a show as youll see. John's got great friends everywhere - high & low places! If you were there, tell your friends. If you weren't, do yourself a favor and do what you can to make the show on September 12th. You'll be really glad you did.
Cheers,
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