Josh Gracin's fan club party was held at the Mystic on June 9, 2006. We arrived at the venue at 11:00 to stand in line and wait for the doors to open. We were finally admitted at 12:15.
There were items available for a silent auction displayed as we entered. The venue is small and after finding somewhere to sit, got our food which included BBQ pork sandwich, potato salad, coleslaw and beans. Great food....
XM Satellite radio was at the party recording for airing. There was a live auction before the performance. All the proceeds of the silent and live auction went to benefit the National Guard's Youth Program.
Josh appeared on stage at 1:20 and started off with "Turn It Up." He answered questions between each song. Starting off, his favorite song from his upcoming album is "Sweet September." He was asked what the judges of American Idol think about him now. He doesn't know. Next song was "I Wanna Live." His favorite Garth Brooks song is "The Change." In response to the question about how his life has changed in the past year - it really hasn't. Being gone from his family is like the military. He was gone from them then, too. One big change is that they can come on the road with him.
"Sweet September" came next. Josh's musical influences were Garth Brooks and Tracy Lawrence. "Favorite State Of Mind" followed. Josh listens to all types of music except hardcore RAP. The fans opinions about his music are very important but there are two sides to everything.
"Brass Bed" was the next song played. Josh plays both the sax and guitar and others as well. "Box In Tennessee," a new song for Josh was introduced. When asked what he wanted to pass on to his kids Josh replied that he wanted them to go for it if they were passionate for something. He wants them to keep on going for what they want. Josh is 25 and was 11 when he first knew he wanted to sing.
Josh sang Garth's "Friends In Low Places" and related a story about a school where he was performing and did this number. His favorite candy bar is Mr. Goodbar, but he's trying not to indulge.
His favorite song off his first album is "Brass Bed." "I Can Only Imagine" was the next song. He finished with his first No. 1 song, "Nothing To Lose." The concert ended at 2:25.
We were fortunate to be in the first group to have the opportunity to meet Josh, get a photo and autograph. Josh was suffering from poison ivy on his right arm and everyone was asked to stay on his left side. Josh is a friendly guy and a talented person that I was glad to finally meet.
