Gavin DeGraw rocks in Sullivan County

By KIMBERLY M. WEYANDT

MONTICELLO, NY — The dimmed overhead lights of the amphitheatre shone like the stars reflected in the eyes of the 3,000 people inside Kutsher’s Country Club as local singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw soothed the crowd with his version of the sultry “Let’s Get It On.” A former employee of Kutshers and a South Fallsburg native, DeGraw returned to the area after following his dream to become a musician. Sullivan County and DeGraw fans proudly welcomed him home.

A long line wove through the country club halls two hours before the doors opened as fans excitedly waited to hear favorite songs from the 28-year-old pianist and guitarist.

Inside the amphitheatre, the multi-leveled room was packed with screaming fans as DeGraw took the stage, all smiles. Nine-year-old Shelby Cooper took turns on the shoulders of her family to see over the heads of the mostly teenaged audience.

Saving “Don’t Wanna Be” for the end of his performance, DeGraw performed songs from his album, “Chariot,” which has sold over one million records worldwide. Halfway through the performance, he shared a new song he wrote for an unreleased album.

Providing the rocking beats for DeGraw was his brother, Joey, who accompanied him on guitar, Brian Dennis, Ryan Howard and Tony T.

DeGraw’s performance proved to be as thrilling as his music as he made each audience member feel like they had a special connection. Making eye contact and wandering off stage and along the sides of the room to give high-fives and handshakes to his “neighbors” made some of the teenagers swoon. Between songs he thanked his local friends and family for their support and cracked jokes.

“You all coming out here allows us not to have to work regular jobs … I want to thank you for that,” said DeGraw.

When DeGraw finished his set and left the stage, the audience began to chant “Chariot,” building up voices and volume until DeGraw and his band returned to play the well known song as their encore. The lyrics echoed from the mouths of the audience as DeGraw held his microphone out to them and smiled.

Following an encore, New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Town of Fallsburg Supervisor Steve Levine and Councilmen for the Town of Fallsburg, Joe Purrillo and Neil Gilbert, who is also Kutsher’s general manager and booked the concert, joined DeGraw on stage to share some support for the local star.

“Sullivan County is proud of Gavin DeGraw,” said Gunther.

The country club’s coffee shop was turned into a fan’s idea of heaven as DeGraw pulled up a chair and prepared to meet his fans and sign autographs for over 300 people. With eager fans pressed against the window behind him, DeGraw smiled, looking each one in the eye as he gave them a personalized autograph to take home.

A 1995 graduate of Fallsburg High School, DeGraw started his musical career playing the local bars like Roark’s Tavern and the Nowhere Bar. After high school he went on to attend Ithaca College, Berklee College of Music in Boston and Mannes College of Music. DeGraw received several contract deals before finally signing with Clive Davis’ J Records, home of such artists as Alicia Keys and Santana. DeGraw has been on tour for the last two and a half years; his long road led him back home to Sullivan County and Kutschers.

“He’s still the same gentle soul he always was,” said Bonnie Ascolese, DeGraw’s high school class advisor, “I’m very proud of him.”

“I was impressed with the show and the crowd,” said Gilbert, “and this is the best drawing show Kutshers has had here, ever.”

“Growing up I always heard how great this area was [for music],” said DeGraw, “but I wasn’t a part of that era. I’m glad to come back and contribute to the music in the area today.”

When asked what it what it felt like to go from being an employee of the country club to the “best drawing show ever,” DeGraw replied, “It feels great.”