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Joshua Carswell
performing Saturday, October 11
Joshua Carswell can’t remember a time when he wasn’t singing. A winner
of the American Traditions Competition in Savannah, GA, one of the
nation’s most prestigious vocal contests, and a graduate of Elon
University, Joshua traces his musical inspiration to an unusual source.
‘When I was only three, I started singing specials in church. A lady in
the congregation came to me afterward and said, “I will make you
brownies if you will sing again.” So I did… again, and again, and
again.’
Music was ever present in the Carswell home. ‘I would record musicals
on our television and watch them over and over. I started subscribing
to Turner Classic Movies magazine at the age of 12 just so I could
record rare movie musicals!’ says Joshua. Disney soundtracks, crooner
legends like Tony Bennett, pop innovators like Billy Joel and the
Carpenters, and the songs of the Great American Songbook shaped his
artistic sensibilities early on. ‘The excellence of those songwriters
and performers is distinctively American. They inspire me to continue
their legacy.’
That legacy is on stunning display in his self-titled debut, a diverse
collection of Duke Ellington jazz, Hank Williams classics, pop
originals, and European influenced standards. Produced by Alex Wolaver
of the Annie Moses Band, the new album reaches across the artistic
spectrum to craft an impressive musical presentation. ‘Josh loves a
multiplicity of styles and genres,” says Alex, “and he has an
extraordinary skill to interpret and perform all of them.”
The second of DCCA's Artists Series concerts, the show begins at 8 p.m.
According to DCCA Artistic Director Keith Rawlins, local audiences have
already received a sneak peek at the young man. “Josh is a close
friends to members of the Annie Moses Band, and performs with them when
he's available; so all of those in the audience at the initial concert
of our current Artists Series season featuring the Annie Moses Band
were treated to a small sampling of what's in store when he's in the
spotlight,” Rawlins explained. “To say that he wowed the audience with
his vocal and interpretive abilities might be an understatement; I
strongly doubt that anyone who was there for that enticing snippet will
miss Josh's show,” Rawlins concluded.
Jim and Enid Goubeaux are sponsoring the Joshua Carswell concert.
Additionally, the Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state
tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and
cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. DCCA also receives operating
support from the Harry D. and Esther Stephens Memorial as well as
funding from the Ketrow Foundation and Lydia E. Schaurer Memorial Trust
Fund.
Tickets for the show by Joshua Carswell cost $20, and can be reserved
by contacting DCCA at 937-547-0908 or dcca@centerforarts.net, or
purchased at DCCA's office located within Greenville Public Library, as
well as online at www.CenterForArts.net. If any remain by showtime,
tickets will also be available at the door prior to the
performance.
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