Degraw to serenade Wilson

Melodic guitarist Michael Tolcher to open

In a musical age where it seems every new male solo artist surreptitiously is strumming a guitar and crooning about a woman’s body, it is easy to become jaded. Yet it seems that artist Gavin DeGraw and opening act Michael Tolcher will prove to be anything but more John Mayer clones.

DeGraw, a 26-year-old musician, singer and songwriter first honed his skills in the nightclubs of New York City — his birthplace. In a city place so fraught with musical talent, DeGraw’s dedicated following speaks volumes about his wide appeal. DeGraw’s talents are exhibited not only in his live performances and debut J Records album, "Chariot," but on prime time as well. His punchy first single, "I Don't Want To Be," now is the theme song for The WB's teen drama, "One Tree Hill." DeGraw also made an appearance on the NBC drama and two-time Emmy winner, "American Dreams," performing "TheTracks of My Tears." In addition, DeGraw’s song "Follow Through" plays every Sunday before the Showtime series "Dead Like Me."

"[DeGraw] is a dynamic musician and performer with much more acclaim to come," sophomore John White said. "I can appreciate his range because I'm singing a part of his song that is much too high for me."

Show opener Tolcher is not likely to become lost in the shadow of DeGraw. Signed to Octone Records an independent New York City-based record label — home to pop-rock sensation Maroon 5 — Tolcher has taken the radio waves and country by storm. Tolcher tours not only with DeGraw, but also with rock group Sister Hazel. In addition, Tolcher’s song "Mission Reponsible" fuels energy to a public service announcement by the American Lung Association. An article by the Association calls Tolcher's debut album, "I Am," "an inspired collections of songs and melodies that muse on life, love and social consciousness."

DeGraw and Tolcher will perform in Wilson Hall Oct. 26 to a packed auditorium — tickets sold out just two days after they went on sale on Sept. 28. More information about the respective artists can be found at www.gavindegraw.com and www.michaeltolcher.com.