Jason Castro Live Webcast 4/29/09

Jason Castro had his live webchat with his fans last night, April 29. If you missed it - check out the video below.

I just love that Jason is so natural -- no airs, no attitudes, no phoniness.
Trust me, I put nobody on on a pedastal and I appreciate those that remain humble even when the world lifts them up. (Jasonnnn and Bucky Covington --very similar views in that respect).

Thank you Jasonnn, Thank you JasonCastroMusic, Thank you Studio1920
for the continuing the connection with the fans and holding the live webchat

ok so after NUMEROUS TRIES.. and I am not a dummy...the embed code for the video keeps being bounced as having an HTML error.. like you care LOL

sorry I cannot post the actual video of the live webchat, but you can check it out on his site HERE.

Jason Castro holding LIVE CHAT at your house -- on your computer!!

Hey guys,

Pass the word -- this is going to be really great!
Prior to tomorrow's American Idol Show on the East Coast, Jason Castro will be holding a live chat with fans -- and for those of you that are just inquisitive about him. (oh, just come anyway -- we won't tell if you don't want anyone to know that you're interested in seeing what all the hoopla over Jason is about)

Sooooo, set the alarm's on your phones, on your computers, your watches, or however you remind yourself about an event:

TOMORROW, APRIL 29th, 7pm EST on Jason's site
jasoncastromusic.com
"be there or be ........... a parallelogram"

You can tweet your question to Jason at his Twitter account @jasoncastro or click HERE if you aren't familiar with Twitter (you will need to register for a free Twitter account to do so)

You can check out Jason's site today if you haven't been there before, there are lots of good things to see over there.

BTW, tomorrow is MICHAEL CASTRO'S Birthday and a little birdie (tweet, tweet) has informed that Michael is on his way to NYC to spend the day with his big bro. Safe flight and have a great time Michael. Happy Birthday to you!

Jason Michael Carroll drops Sophomore CD and invites you to attend the Brittany's Battle Event

Bad me (or does it make me cooler to say "my bad")..anyway.. My bad (LOL) I have started so many drafts of my blog this week and haven't finished even one so that I could post it. They will have to wait now because there are important things coming up that I wanted to share with you for the upcoming week.

I will post a few blogs so that each event gets it's own hoopla

TOMORROW - April 28, 2009

Jason Michael Carroll (JMC) drops his sophomore CD "Growing Up is Getting Old"!
If you haven't heard of him, please check him out. If you look at him, you would never expect "that voice" to come out of his mouth. It's definitely memorable.

I have had the pleasure of catching Jason Michael live numerous times (as you can tell by my blogs) so I have heard several of the tunes on this CD live already -- I personally recommend it. He is a sweetheart of a guy and a good husband and father (to me those things are important -- talent doesn't necessarily get my vote because it's God-given, it's more important to me how a person lives your life)

You can preview the songs at ilike.com and then go and snatch up your own--purchase--that is!

[Addendum: GAC posted this article today HERE]

I also want to mention Jason Michael's cause "Brittany's Battle" and the fundraiser event scheduled for May 2 in Raleigh, NC. Brittany, the daughter of Jason Michael's first drummer, died in her teens from Lung Cancer. If you would like to see Jason Michael Carroll in concert and support this event, check it out HERE. I would love to be there, but my schedule is not letting me this time. I pray for much success at the event.

If you cannot make the event either, but would love to donate something, Brittany's Battle has partnered with Amazon.com so check out their wishlist and make a few wishes come true HERE.

I've previously posted the video of Jason Michael regarding his song "Where I'm From" but I am again posting the link so you can go check out what he says about Brittany's Battle -- a cause he firmly supports because Brittany was a friend of his.


You can learn more about Brittany's Battle on their website at brittanysbattle.org.

CHECK BACK LATER TODAY AND TOMORROW AS THERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT THINGS I NEED TO SHARE (if you haven't heard them already -- Jason Castro live webcast (April 29), Bucky Covington's new single is out NOW, Richie Fields taking part in the genre-crossing benefit concert "Aid 4 Autism" in ATL (May 2))

Joe Nichols - Believers song, video, and request

I first saw Joe Nichols in concert when I went to one of Bucky Covington's concerts. If you know who Joe is, you know he has endured some tough times in the last few years.

I also saw Joe's performance at the Opry the night Bucky Covington was on the Opry. It took Joe a lot of strength to sing through because he was extremely choked up with emotion and battling tears that you could see the lump in his throat and the tension in his face. It touched my heart so to know he was raw and honest.

Sometime after Lorianne Crook interviewed Joe after his stint at rehab. The man was honest, funny, and cute.

I heard Joe respond to an interviewer's question about where he had been and Joe answered by saying something like "I was on a vacation to get closer to God" (at least that is the way I heard it). Joe also said that he was going to try keep his priorities in place and we know that we all have to struggle with that at time.

Joe now seems to always be smiling and trying to get people to have a chuckle. Life seems to be good. I give him a lot of credit for dealing with his problems straight on and by realizing the Lord is there with open arms and it's okay to lean on them.

In 2008, a reporter for the Saginaw News (Sue White) wrote an article about Joe and in voicing his appreciation to his fans during his time of trouble, Joe shared: "It's just been great, more than I can ask for," he said. "But I've always heard that if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. My life hasn't gone exactly how I thought it would, but I can see now that all the hard times, all the struggles, were blessings from God."

So, that being said, Joe has a new song called "Believers".
I found the song on Youtube so I am sharing it here -- if it is available on iTunes, please support Joe and purchase it. You can listen to the song HERE.

Joe also made this video requesting that people make a video to why they are a believer. Take a peek and maybe it will inspire you to make a video response.

Celebrate, Celebrate, Dance to the Music -- Jason Castro is officially signed!

(photo credit: Jason Castro's myspace)

WOOOOHOOOO, SQEEEEEE, WHOOP, HALLELUJAH!!
I'm doing a happy dance!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO JASON CASTRO!!

I am so excited and so thrilled for Jason Castro's news. He did mention it in the video clip I posted the other day, but now Atlantic has made an official statement (see the end of this blog post)

Jason is in the hands that have made legends. Their roster has always been and still is impressive. I also like that the Christian band Skillet is signed to Atlantic Records. (and Jason is working with grammy-award producers that have worked with other Christian groups such as Lifehouse and Switchfoot). Atlantic seems to allow artist freedom and that is exactly what Jason needs because he answers to a "higher authority" (as they say in the Hebrew National hot dog commercial).

Jason is not a fan of "celebrity" in general so I pray that he is not caught in the pitfalls of fame. Knowing what I know about this boy and his family, I think he will be just fine and he will use his "celebrity" for good and charitable works as he has up to now. Jason has a precious heart and he has stated that he is SECOND.

Please keep Jason in prayer as he progresses on his journey through the shark-infested waters of the music business.

Atlantic Records has just added Jason's page to their website today. It is just getting started, but you can see they have begun HERE.

Press Release:

APRIL 13, 2009
ATLANTIC SIGNS JASON CASTRO;
ACCLAIMED SINGER/SONGWRITER SLATED TO RELEASE
DEBUT ALBUM LATER THIS YEAR
Atlantic Records has announced the signing of singer/songwriter Jason Castro. The Texas-based tunesmith – best known as the third runner-up on the 2008 season of Fox’s American Idol – is currently hard at work on his debut album, set for release later this year. Among his creative collaborators are Grammy Award-winning producer John Fields (Lifehouse, Switchfoot, Soul Asylum) and a number of acclaimed songwriters, including Kara DioGuardi (Kelly Clarkson, Jewel, Santana), Martin Terefe (Jason Mraz, KT Tunstall), Sacha Skarbek (James Blunt, Jason Mraz), Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams), and Jason Reeves (Colbie Caillat).

A multi-talented singer and guitarist, Jason Castro was among the most popular and talented artists in American Idol history, entering the record books as the first contestant ever to play an instrument on the show. His performance of the Leonard Cohen-penned classic “Hallelujah” proved such an audience favorite that cult hero Jeff Buckley’s rendition of the song hit #1 on the iTunes chart the following week, selling an astonishing 178,000 digital singles. Jason scored a chart-topping single of his own a few weeks later, when his interpretation of “Over The Rainbow” also hit #1 on iTunes after a show-stopping performance of the song on American Idol. Upon the season’s conclusion, Castro was among the stars of the hugely successful “American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008.”

Since then, Jason has been busy writing and woodshedding the new songs that will appear on his debut album. In December, he teamed with Amazon.com to release a free download of “White Christmas” as a special holiday gift to his fans. Castro has also recorded a new version of “Hallelujah,” which will be featured on the soundtrack to the film, Amar A Morir, to be released theatrically this summer.

In addition, Jason has been a prominent supporter of a variety of charity organizations. Last December saw him starring at a Garland, Texas Christmas concert benefitting the city’s Best Education Foundation. He has also been an active supporter of The Recording Academy’s MusiCares Foundation.

For up-to-the-minute information, please visit www.jasoncastromusic.com and www.myspace.com/jasoncastromusic.

A NOTE about FREE Downloads here

A reader has contacted me about the FREE downloads I offer on my page from time to time and I wanted to clarify this issue.

Any songs that are downloadable from my page are not uploaded by me. The downloads are placed here by links to a Christian music magazine which offers the songs FREE as a promotion in connection with the artist. The artist is not being ripped off and the downloads are not illegally obtained.

If the site no longer offers the download, the link will not work.

I appreciate that Ron has questioned this issue so that I could address it since others may also be questioning the downloads on my site.

Be blessed.
HUGS

HAPPY EASTER! Who is Jesus Christ? (Yeshua Ha' Machiah)

(photo credit: gardenaction) Well, today is Easter Sunday, so Happy Easter to everyone! WOOOHOO! As I previously mentioned, I prefer to say Happy Resurrection Day because this day is so NOT about a bunny rabbit and candy. I don't mind that people enjoy that fun on Easter, but just like with Santa Claus -- satan has made a counterfeit to distract us from the true meaning of these days set aside to celebrate Christ. So, we just need to remember the real reason for these days as well. I think everyday should be a celebration of Christ and what he has done for us, but not everyone is at that place, and so holidays always are a great time to celebrate and reflect upon our Lord, and enjoy them with our families. HE IS RISEN! I am so thankful that I am washed in the blood. (I know that sounds gory, but it really isn't if you understand its awesomeness). Who's risen? Risen from what? Jesus, Christ -- is risen from the dead After being beaten, crucified, and killed, he came back to physical life after three days of death! FOR YOU! (How is that even possible? -- it isn't unless...) So, WHO IS JESUS ANYWAY??? And why do I care? I think many people think Jesus is just another guy who started a religion or that a religion was started by a zealous group of his followers based on his man-made philosophies, as has been the case for many of the religions of the world. No matter what faith or non-faith you may be--whether you are a Christian, Jew, Mormon, Buddhist, Muslim, Agnostic, Atheist, or whatever, have you ever wondered who is this Jesus guy? Have you ever really researched anything about him? (or did you just take someone's word for it and run with that concept?) It tends to be that many people take a position on something or someone because it is the popular choice and never research the facts for themselves (such is the case for evolution, political affiliations, abortion etc.. you get my drift)(It is actually a trend to protest all things Jesus right now -- how very sad) Jesus was a rebel (probably like many of you reading this blog right now) He has been depicted as loving and kind (which he was), but he was not a whimp, he was strong and also forceful when he felt it was necessary (have you heard how he took a whip and destroyed the place when he got angry?) Jesus lead a spiritual revolution and stood his ground for unpopular principles during his time. No matter how society tried to kill him and still tries to kill him -- it just won't happen. He has shaped the world from its foundation and continues to do so. I'd say that is something pretty amazing. If you research Jesus of Nazareth there is undeniable proof of his life -- both historical and spiritual, which will cause you to think and make a decision. (A decision that will affect your life now and after your spirit leaves your body for good) Just a little FYI (and I don't mean to be presumptive, but I actually used to think that Jesus' last name was Christ -- oops.. NOT). Christ is not Jesus' last name -- it is derived from the Greek "Christos" for "anointed one". In Hebrew, Ha'Machiach means "Messiah" so the Hebrew name for Jesus (who is Jewish) is Yeshua Ha'Machiah -- Jesus is the Jewish Messiah according to the Scriptures. One of the most prolific authors of our time, C.S. Lewis asks us in his most famous book Mere Christianity * is Jesus "LIAR, LUNATIC, OR LORD"? After researching the proofs of the claims of Christ, Lewis makes this provoking statement: "A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic - on the level with a man who says he is a poached egg - or he would be the devil of hell. You must take your choice. Either this was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us." Who is Jesus of Nazareth to you? Your life on this earth and for all of eternity is affected by your answer to this question. True Christianity is not being religious (some people think I am religious -- I am SO NOT RELIGIOUS -- but to those that do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, they view me as such --it's all good). True Christianity is also not a philosophy of life or obedience to a set of rules and performing rituals. True Christianity is based on a personal relationship with a Risen God who is Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. (I'm not saying you can't call belong to or call yourself by the name of a denomination, but are you in a "personal relationship" with Christ? -- that's the key!) SO, WHO IS JESUS? WHO IS JESUS TO YOU? DO YOU CARE? There is so much to share and reflect upon and to learn, and I'm only trying to cause you to think a little deeper than usual today. If you are skeptical or you want to know more, there are many insightful resources. The evidence that jolted a former Atheist Josh McDowell (who set out to disprove Jesus' claims) can be found on his website JOSH.ORG. If you are a skeptic or have questions, I am sure Josh has the info for you. Josh McDowell is also the author of More Than a Carpenter. Check it out. CAN I TRUST THE BIBLE IS JESUS REALLY GOD? Josh also shares proofs of the RESURRECTION of Christ. CHRISTIANITY, HOAX OR HISTORY FOR SKEPTICS WHO DEMAND A VERDICT FOR MY JEWISH FRIENDS Thank God that we have the right to make our own choices in life. Everyone chooses, whether they specifically decide or not. Everything boils down to faith, even if you are an atheist or any other religion -- it is YOUR FAITH in something that causes you to believe what you believe. Where do you put your faith? ---------------------------- For just a bit of insight, the Hebrew Passover is a celebration of how God spared the lives of the Jews who trusted God to spare them. They covered their door posts with blood of a lamb and the angel of death passed over them. Jesus himself celebrated Passover and he became the Lamb of God who was slain so that those who trust God will be passed over and will receive life everlasting. ---------------------------- Watch this clip to see Mel Gibson's view of what Jesus experienced ---------------------------- * This book is on Jason Castro's suggested reading list

Enter CASTING CROWNS Contest to attend Dove Awards!

A little birdie (tweet, tweet) has shared that CASTING CROWNS is sponsoring a Dove Awards Giveaway! The contest will be launched Monday morning, April 13 on their website.

The winner receives tickets, lodging, & airfare for two! Check Mark Hall's blog at 8am Central Time, Monday at CASTING CROWNS.

Also, take a look at one of CASTING CROWN'S videos below and then go vote for them to win Artist of the Year HERE.

Celebrating Christ's Victory! Get a Bible for FREE!

(picture credit: saboalice_07)

Tomorrow is the day we celebrate Christ's victory over sin and death -- Resurrection Sunday (some say Easter, but I don't prefer that name). I celebrate his mercy and grace everyday as many do, but tomorrow, the world is reminded that HE HAS RISEN and of His FREE gift of grace to us (when we DO NOT deserve it)!

A friend of mine with a precious heart for Christ has a website to share God's Word with those who want to hear. Her site states:

The gift of this Bible, like the gift of grace, has no strings or conditions attached.

Anyone can get a Bible for FREE!!! What can you get for free these days? And this is the one of the most precious gifts of all -- God's loveletter and Word to us.

Check it out and be blessed -- you might just be surprised at all the really great stuff you will find inside!

Visit: GET A FREE BIBLE and please pass the Word.

Be blessed!
HUGS

Bucky Covington, and Jason Castro, and Jason Michael Carroll -- OH MY!

Well, some of my favorite guys have news all at the same time. Since I have been super busy and I have not been diligent on posting, I will fill you in on the news in this blog.

First, Bucky Covington's new single I Want My Life Back is beginning to be played on the radio. This song is going to be a hit -- I can feel it. Check Bucky out singing the new song for the first time at concert. Bucky's sophomore CD will be released in the next few months. Keep your eyes and ears open.




Jason Castro has found a home at Atlantic Records and working with Kara Dioguardi and one of the guys who works with the Jonas Brothers .. on one of his songs at least. Jason is planning to release his CD in June. If you haven't heard some of the new songs, search Youtube for his Garland or Texas A&M University (TAMU) concerts







Jason Michael Carroll's new CD Growing Up is Getting Old is being released on April 28. You can pre-order it and receive an autographed copy HERE


Jason Michael talks about his first single Where I'm From
which will be on the new CD



Enjoy :)
p.s. I went to an intimate, private, concert and interview of Billy Ray Cyrus on Tuesday and a behind the scenes tour of the Archeological Department of the Museum of Natural History in NYC. I will write about and post some things soon. Come on back ya'll...

Jason Castro - Love Uncompromised on American Idol Extra

Hey guys, I just wanted to pop on and let you know that I am alive -- I promise :)

I know I have not been diligent in posting my blog for a bit. I have a few things in the works and I will also be posting in the next day or so.

Till then, if you haven't seen Idol Extra this past week (I don't get it, so I am thankful to those that post on youtube), I'm sharing Jason Castro's visit to the show with Jillian Barberi.

I like Jason's answer to Jillian at 3:15 as to what his song Love Uncompromised is really about and if he is looking for it or already has it. I love to read between the lines and knowing what I know about Jason Castro, I tend to believe his version of Love is in line with scripture so his answer blessed me (but I wish it was a little bit more explanatory). Either way, this boy's heart is filled with love and he shines his light even on subjects such as this.

Like I said before, many think that Love Uncompromised is about the wedding night -- and he did say it is something he thinks about, but doesn't have yet.



(Thanx to Dare2Dream for posting the video.. thanx C)