“Welcome to Stage 17,” said 95.5 PJ radio host John Foxx. “This is so exciting. Are you guys ready for Gavin DeGraw or what?”
When DeGraw took Stage 17, his appearance was met with a warm response. “Thanks for coming,” he told the fans. “Hello, my name is Gavin DeGraw,” and he subsequently introduced his two band members that were with him, Mike Baker on drums and Billy Norris on acoustic guitar.
DeGraw opened his acoustic set with “She Sets The City On Fire,” which featured a neat a cappella ending. DeGraw praised the new Stage 17 for looking “great,” and he expressed his gratitude for the radio station, 95.5 PLJ for always being good to him.
The singer-songwriter shared his inspiration behind his song “I Don’t Want To Be,” which he dubbed as his “autobiography.” DeGraw wrote it about a time in his life when he was broke and upset, and he still sings it like he’s upset, but he’s not upset anymore, since due to the commercial success of the song, he was able to pay off his college loans. He went on to deliver a compelling rendition of the sultry song.
“Unbelievable,” John Foxx said. “You guys are the best,” he added, complimenting DeGraw and his band on that performance. For DeGraw, small rooms such as Stage 17 hold a very special place in his heart, since he feels that the “smaller the room, the bigger the fans.” “You can feel the intimacy levels. I love a big place too, but in a small place, we sweat together and we feel together,” he explained.
DeGraw continued, “Music is my medicine. It changes my perspective on the moment.” Foxx and DeGraw invited a lucky fan, Steve from Staten Island, on stage to sing a karaoke version of his single “Making Love With The Radio On,” where DeGraw accompanied both Foxx and Steve on piano. After they sang, DeGraw sang his own, exceptional version of the tune. He closes his four-song mini-concert with “Chariot,” where he showcased the impressive control of his voice.
The Verdict
Overall, Gavin DeGraw was amazing live at Stage 17 for “Karaoke for a Cause,” where he performed for an intimate group of fans. He partnered with the hit New York radio station 95.5 PLJ and the Voss Foundation. His voice was as smooth and silk, and his show garnered five out of five stars. Well done Gavin.
To learn more about 95.5 PLJ radio station, check out its official website, and for more information on the Voss Foundation, visit its official homepage.
