house concerts and 21st century touring

Wayne Gratz

Do you have a grand piano in your home? Does it bother you how often it is unused? Or do you simply wish you could hear someone do it justice? What if you could have a major label talent do a concert in your home for you and your friends?

Born in Winston Salem, North Carolina, in June of 1954, Wayne acquired his love for music at a early age. At the age of five, Wayne moved to Reading, Pennsylvania. Inspired by his kindergarten teacher, Wayne began playing the piano at age six and studied piano into his high school years. He then began studying guitar. With the onset of cool keyboard bands such as Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Yes, and Genesis, Wayne decided to return to the keyboards.

Over the past 15 years, Wayne has released 10 albums of original compositions on the Narada Label and 4 albums of cover music on the Enso label. Wayne also contributed to some of the most memorable compositions on Narada’s best selling collections, The Wilderness Collection, A Childhood Remembered, Piano Solos, and two Christmas collection albums, all of which are available at most retail music and book outlets. Wayne’s music can also be ordered directly from Narada Records www.narada.com or www.waynegratz.com or www.itunes.com

We are pleased to welcome Wayne Gratz to concertsinyourhome.com - contact him directly through the website, and explore this blog for tips on how to create a memorable concert event in your home. It’s not out of reach!

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James Casto is not a dreamer. He’s not even an idealist. Dreamers rarely step forward in the direction of their dreams, and idealists never accept that there is darkness inside those silver linings. His three “No Hit Wonders” CDs are distinguished landmarks of his Big Step out of the darkness of the everyman life, and the thousands of little steps toward one man’s dream.

James decided to become a songwriter. So he wrote songs. Everyday. He practiced, co-wrote with anyone he could. He drove to Nashville (from Atlanta) - sometimes twice a week - to play for free and for anyone who would listen.

But a funny thing happened to James on the way to becoming a songwriter. He became an artist. From his percussive groove-gospel piano style (who said being a drummer was a handicap?) to his soulful, passionate voice, James’ message is undeniable. Yes, there is darkness - yes, there is hope - and yes, oh yes, there is God.

While many artists see their gifts as a way to get something - fame, money, etc… James Casto sees it another way. His gifts are for giving - his talent, his time, and his Faith. His collection of songs will reach anyone with a human heart. It is faith without alienation, love without bounds, and a gift you will treasure for years to come.

The featured song, “Two Inches Deep” is the tale of that Big Step, where James and many others have found the courage to “take back their lives” from the rascals to whom they were once entrusted.

See James Casto’s profile at CIYH to hear “Two Inches Deep.”

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One of the aspects of house concerts that is difficult to explain is the warmth of the people who make up this community. While artists will have varying degrees of ambition, most of the ones who succeed in this market tend to be friendly and genuine - not putting on airs of stardom and aloofness. Likewise, the hosts who put on house concerts really seem to care about artists in a way that most would find unusual. I was trying to explain it the other day, and then…

I received this email from Arlene. She had just received our new Compilation CD.

Hi Fran,

In the four years I’ve been hosting concerts, I realize, looking at this CD, how far I’ve come in terms of expanding out there into the music world and making connections. Four years ago I wouldn’t have recognized any of these names… the whole thing would have been foreign to me. Now I smile when I look at the CD you’ve put together. I haven’t listened yet… have some work to finish first… but will treat myself later this evening to an hour relaxing and listening.

Great line-up here. A concert for Jay Mankita, hosted by his sister Susan, was my introduction to all of this. (I was Susan’s clinical social work supervisor a number of years back. We stayed in touch. When she invited me to a “house concert” for her brother, a folk singer… I thought, “Wow, I’ve always loved folk music but have no idea what a house concert is.” I went, and was instantly smitten. (Jay was wonderful.) While there, I met a bunch of people, made some connections, and as a result of that day, got lured into the Broward Folk Club (and eventually onto its Board), into the world of house concerts, and onto the planning staff for the South Florida Folk Festival (which I hadn’t even known existed until then).

Rod MacDonald… a local artist and friend. I took a songwriting class from him a couple of years ago, and wrote a few songs (including two that are on my Myspace site). Okay, I’m a lousy performer and an even worse songwriter… but Rod’s class was fun anyway. I see him around, and he asked if he could come and speak and sing at the memorial service held for my best friend, Steve Glickstein, after Steve’s death a few months back. The songs Rod sang brought tears to my eyes. (Of course, there were lots of tears during those horrible days anyway.) I really appreciated his being there. I see him around regularly.

Freebo… I’ve done two concerts for him, and consider him a friend. He has stayed at my home, and when he comes into town we meet for coffee. Before that first concert, he sent me a copy of his new CD (Before the Separation) and I instantly fell in love with the title cut. (No wonder that’s the one you chose for this CD… it’s also the song that won him the Singer-Songwriter competition at the SFFF a few years back.) In fact, I liked that song so much that I recorded my own version of it and sent it to him. I’m sure he was amused, if nothing more. But anyway, it’s a song in my repertoire now. When he performed at my home in January (along with Brooks Williams and Cosy Sheridan and TR Ritchie), I asked him to do that particular song, and of course everybody loved it.

Arlon Bennett… hadn’t known him before, but he ended up being selected as one of this year’s finalists in the SFFF Singer-Songwriter competition. So I got to meet him and hear him at our Festival.

James Durst - Did a concert for him and Work o’ the Weavers last year. They spent a few days here, and it was a really enjoyable visit. He had previously known my friend, Steve (the one who died), so Steve came over and hung out while they were here. After Steve’s death, James stayed in touch and wrote a really nice note. In June, he’ll be coming to town with Jim Scott for some sort of convention. They’ll be spending the week with me. I will do a house concert for them. Unfortunately, it will be Florida sizzling hot so this one will be indoors instead of out on the patio, and will likely be smaller due to all the snowbirds flying north for the summer months, but it will be great to have James here anyway. Looking forward to hearing the solo song on this CD.

Lauren Adams - Never heard of her before, but she contacted me… found me on CIYH… and I am in the process of possibly working out something with her for November. (No promises made yet… I am totally unfamiliar with her music.) I see she is first on this CD. Obviously, if you’ve chosen one of her songs, she must be good, so I’m looking forward to listening to it.

I am babbling (and avoiding my work)… just wanted to say thanks for the CD, I’ll really enjoying listening to it.

Best,
Arlene

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I think that’s a good way to say it. This letter sums up the sentiment of many of the hosts I’ve met. Thanks Arlene.

Funny, this is probably not the first time someone reviewed a CD without listening to it.

Pick up a free copy of the CD, or check out our podcasts to hear more of our fine artists.

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