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paul gerardi - bio
"In February of 1992, while working as a radio traffic reporter, I was flying
in a small aircraft that was hit by another small plane. As I watched the other
plane approach, there was a timeless space where I thought my physical life was
to end. Even though there was a mid-air collision and both planes landed safely,
I was forever changed. Following the crash I began singing and writing songs,
things I will always do, things that bring through joy and love of life."
With musical roots varying from jazz to traditional folk to big band and rock,
Paul Gerardi's personal style is somewhat difficult to pigeon-hole. Even so, it
would be fair to describe his music as poetic contemporary folk.
He
has three CD's to his credit: The Mosaic, (released in 2000) is
a mellow acoustic compilation of poetic spiritual songs, A Night in the
House (released in 2002) features live music performances interwoven with
uplifting spoken word pieces, and Naked Truth (released in 2005)
is a collection of topical songs, progressive polital songs, and love songs -
some of which were written during a trip to Newfoundland Canada.
Three
of Paul's songs were included in the art film Butterfly Dreams (producer
Darren Boseman, filmed in Orlando Florida) for which he wrote a theme song of
the same title, and his poem Florida, My Friend won honorable mention
in the 1998 Best of Florida Poetry Contest at the Florida based Will McLean Music
Festival.
Paul began songwriting in 1992 and performing in 1994. A regular on the Florida
folk festival scene since 1998, he made repeat appearances at the these Florida
folk festivals: Will McLean Music Festival, Wings and Strings, the Lake County
Folk Festival, the Barberville Fall Jamboree, the Pioneer Heritage Festival
and the Ka'Tiki
Florida Folk Night.
He has also been a featured performer in the Orlando based Langford Park Concert
Series, the Sarasota Visual Arts Center Concert Series, the Sailing
Squadron, and (until he began touring) was a regular performer at the Yalaha
Country Bakery which is highly regarded for its roster of local and national
folk artists.
Paul has opened concerts for nationally recognized folk
icons Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen, national folk artists Pierce Pettis, Bill
Mallonee (Vigalantes of Love), and the soulful Ruth King.
Paul has
toured North America constantly since 2004, and has performed at music festivals
as far flung as the Flowertown Festival in South Carolina to the Alaskan
festival circuit (Kenai River Festival, KDLL Art and Music Festival, Kasilof
Music Festival, the Seldovia Summer Solstice Music Festival, Seldovia 4th of July
Celebration, Homer
Street Fair,
Alaska
Garden and Art Show). He
is a veteran performer of over 45 festivals, concert venues, and cafe's. Paul
has also performed his uplifting and poetic contemporary folk music for Sunday
services in
over 40 churches throughout North America.
Before going on the road
Paul created and hosted a weekly radio show, The Acoustic Highway, on WPRK
91.5FM which he hosted for 3 years beginning in 2001. The show, a two-hour program
of recorded acoustic music from national and local Florida acts, also included
live interview segments and live in-studio performances by local and touring musicians.
The Acoustic Highway radio program continues to this day with it's new
host, Rich Pietzrak.
In addition, Paul is a long standing open mic
host, holding down a weekly slot for 5 years straight from 1998 through 2003.
In 2002, his open mic at Guinevere's Coffeehouse was named Best Open Mic in Orlando
Florida, according to the Orlando Weekly's yearly "best of" reader's
poll.
Please
check Paul's calendar of events page for a current 2007 tour schedule and archived
2004,2005, and 2006 schedules.
Paul's
CD's are independently released and can be ordered through this website.
contact
paul@paulgerardi.com
for booking or information requests
Comments about Paul's music.....
"Paul
Gerardi has a soothing voice and songs that speak to the heart and soul. One can't
help but grow in human understanding and compassion as you listen and experience
the message of his music." (Mindy Simmons - President, Friends of Florida
Folk) "I
was immediately impressed by the presence and character of his voice, his songs
and his guitar playing. Paul lives his music."
(Mike Davis - Music Director,
Unity Center of Vero Beach, Florida) "Paul
showed us what a true music ministry can bring to a group. His vitality, style,
charm, and musical ability inspired people of all ages and backgrounds."
(Rev. Bill Dodd, Unity of Ocala, Florida) "From
the first time I met Paul I was amazed at how he could capture
a moment with
a phrase." (James Hawkins - award winning Florida songwriter)
"Paul
Gerardi is a dedicated singer-songwriter who combines his great mastery of the
written word with an uncanny ability to enhance it with melodies that are as suitable
as they are unforgettable." (Suz Chapman - Workshop Coordinator, Will McLean
Music Festival)
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