Support Local Music: a phrase that most are unfamiliar with. It was the same phrase displayed this weekend at Fairfield University’s Downtown Bookstore Café Music Series.
Fairfield Senior, Joe Marino, preformed Friday September 13th, 2013 for students, locals, and book shoppers. Marino played Acoustic guitar and sang a variety of current pop songs and classics. The two hour set list included Mr. Brightside by The Killers, Straight Up by Paula Abdul, and
Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah.
Before the night was over several shoppers and those passing through were drawn to Marino’s original sound. Marino had created acoustic Mash-ups, where two or more songs in the same musical key and merge them into one. Marino took John Mayer’s Your Body is a Wonderland and Alison Krauss’ When You Say Nothing at All to a whole new level. Accompanied by fellow senior, Nicole Rapaso, Marino sang Mayer while Rapaso simultaneously sang Krauss’ lyrics.
After the performance Marino received many compliments, tips and even offers to play at other local venues.
“I appreciate the live beauty of Marino’s music,” said local, Patrick. Patrick was just passing through the Starbucks when he noticed the Café Series. After hearing Marino for the first time, Patrick could appreciate how Marino brought forth “My years” in the music and artist of older generations in combination with the new.
Marino explained how these Mash-Ups had been a mere realization “as I was driving down the road in my car”.
“I’ve never paid for a guitar lesson in my life,” added Marino. “It is something I do for fun”
As a junior in high school Marino picked up a guitar and the rest was history. “I have come to a point in my life where it is weird if I do not pick up my guitar at least once a day,” stated Marino. “I get home from work or school, shower, play my guitar, and go to bed”. It’s routine.
Joe was able to convey most of his story through his music and personality on stage. “If I was not playing here in front of you, I would be doing the same thing in my dorm room or at home,” Said Marino. Furthermore, Marino shared personal experience as a street musician while studying in Australia.
One day Marino put his guitar case out and started playing. “People just started pouring money I,” recalled Marino. “I remember heading home and my guitar case felt really heavy after a few hours,” said Marino. “When I got home and counted $212.73, a number I will never forget.”
Joe Marino will be back at the Fairfield University Downtown Bookstore Café Music Series in early October. The series will feature local artist and is open to the general public for free.
On September 20 Jeff Passeck & Matt Bavedas of the Mudd Band will perform at 7pm. Likewise, Jazz vocalist Amanda Bellitto and friends will “entertain bookstore shoppers,” said the bookstore website. There is a lot of talent out there so get out support those who are truly passionate musicians.
Charles DeFilippo Music 