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The Castro revolution seizesGulfViewSquare

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: October 30, 2009

PORT RICHEY - He finished in the top four of the 2008 "American Idol" competition and was the first competitor to play an instrument onstage. Wednesday, Jason Castro performed here 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 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 savors the opportunity to perform his original music, like "Let's Just Fall in Love Again," a cut from his debut Atlantic Records recording that will be released in January.

He describes the 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 the 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.

"For those who have never seen me on the show, 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 of Brooksville, Billie Fuller of Ridge Manor and Marilyn Transue of Port Richey also were at his Gulf View Square show, which featured original songs such as "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," Fuller said. "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, to be positive and lift people's spirits."

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.

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