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American Idol contestant Josh Gracin coming to Manchester
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By WENDY MITCHELL Staff Writer
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MANCHESTER, Ohio -- No fooling, there has been a lot on the plate of the young man performing April 1, at the Manchester High School gymnasium.
Josh Gracin, frustrated young musician turned Marine and family man, turned "American Idol" contestant, turned recording star will take the stage with his brand of country music to benefit student programs at Manchester Independent School.
"We have plenty of good seats available, there really is not a bad seat in the place," said Manchester High School Principal Jeff Stricklett.
The venue seats about 2,000 people, said Stricklett.
For those who don't already know, Gracin, a native of Westland, Mich., grew up in a family filled with sisters; he was the only boy. He drifted more toward music after his parents discouraged him from playing football in high school. He opted to stick with playing saxophone in the marching band and performing in local musical productions instead.
From saxophone to center stage, Gracin followed his musical dream after high school. With his musical career not going the way he wanted, Gracin signed up for the Marine Corps. He credits the training there with preparing him for the rest of his life. Music took a back seat to the Marine Corps, marriage and a new daughter.
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About two years into the four-year military stint, music called to him again and Gracin entered the "American Idol" contest. By the time he was well into the show the U.S. invaded Iraq. American flags filled show audiences and encouragement to keep singing, as encouragement to other Marine Corps families came in e-mails and letters, said Gracin. Compared to going through basic training for the Marine Corps, Gracin seemed to face off with "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell with ease; making it to fourth place in the second season of the show.
Thanks to a performance during the show of a song originated by Rascal Flatts, members of the group put Gracin in touch with the right people on Music Row. Lyric Street Music signed Gracin to a recording contract shortly after that. Included on his self titled album is Gracin's debut single "I Want To Live".
Following the success of past Manchester concert performances by Trace Adkins and Blake Shelton, this year there is an added attraction of a local opening act.
"Steve Parks, a country music performer from Peebles, will be playing for 30 minutes, starting at 7 p.m., then Josh Gracin will go on stage at 7:30 p.m.," said Stricklett.
Tickets for the show are still available at Manchester High School and will be available at the school box office on concert night.
"Doors will open at 6 p.m.," said Stricklett.
Contact Wendy Mitchell at wendy.mitchell@lee.net or call 564-9091, ext. 370.
For more area news, go to www.westunion-online.com |
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