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'American Idol's' Castro wows crowd at Pasco mall

Staff Photo by FRED BELLET

Jason Castro savors the opportunity to perform his own original music, like his new single "Let's Just Fall in Love Again."

By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: October 29, 2009

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PORT RICHEY - He finished in the top four of the 2008 "American Idol" competition and was the first Idol competitor to play an instrument onstage. And Wednesday evening Jason Castro performed for a crowd of more than 200 people .

Castro's appearance at Gulf View Square mall was part of a concert tour, Akoo Presents Jason Castro Live, that consists of shows performed at radio stations and shopping malls across the nation and in Canada.

"It's great being on tour," he said. "I get to play music every day."

Castro particularly savors the opportunity to perform his own original music, like his new single "Let's Just Fall in Love Again," a cut from his debut Atlantic Records recording that will be released in January. He describes this tune as a "free-spirited, joyful song about falling in love again ... getting back that magic moment."

"For those who saw me on 'American Idol,' this show is a follow-up to the relationship we started," said this 22-year-old Texas native. "On the show they saw my personality, taste and style as I performed.

Now they see how that translates to my music."

"And for those who have never seen me on the show," said Castro, "this is a chance to check out my music."

Many of those in attendance expressed a familiarity with and enthusiasm for Castro's music. Debbie Fuson came from Lakeland to attend the show, and wore a Jason Castro Music T-shirt.

"I started watching 'American Idol' because of him," she said. "He's so spirited and genuine, and you can tell he loves performing."

Sisters Caroline Wingrove, Brooksville, Billie Fuller, Ridge Manor, and Marilyn Transue, Port Richey, were also in attendance at his Gulf View Square show, which featured original songs such as "Let's Just Fall in Love Again" and "That's What I'm Here For," and Castro's signature "American Idol" covers "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Hallelujah." The sisters expressed appreciation for everything from his trademark dreadlocks to his musical style.

"I like his style of singing and his voice," Wingrove said.

"I love his eyes and I like his singing," said Fuller. "He seems so sweet."

"I like his dreadlocks and his eyes," Transue said. "He seems like a pleasant young man."
Indeed, Castro strives to promote "positivity," through his music and his work with charitable organizations such as the National Academy of Arts and Science's MusiCares Foundation and the Best Education Foundation.

"I strive for that in life, in everything I do," he said, "to be positive, and lift people's spirits."

While onstage, Castro sent out birthday wishes to audience member McKenna Cohefero, who carried a sign that read, "I'm celebrating my 11th birthday with Jason Castro."

"It's exciting to be here," McKenna said. "He's awesome."

Transue agreed.

"He will go far," she said.

For information on Jason Castro, visit www.jasoncastromusic.com.