(Garland/Rowlett) The grounds at Firewheel Town Center were filled to near capacity as Jason Castro took the stage Sunday evening for the Rowlett Exchange Club’s second annual QueFest celebration – a two-day charity fundraiser benefiting the nonprofit organization’s child abuse prevention efforts.
Last year, QueFest 2010 fell victim to a devastating summer storm, but not so this time around. This year, organizers were just hoping for a break from the triple digit temperatures – and their prayers were answered when the heat gave way to a refreshing autumn breeze. Sid Mobley, National Exchange Club president, remarked that he brought the cooler weather in to town with him – and that the nice weather was an added bonus to a very successful QueFest 2011.
“We have several clubs throughout the United States that host similar events like RibFest in Naperville, Illinois and St. Pete. They make quite a bit of money to support the community and our national project – the prevention of child abuse,” Mobley said. “Right now we have about 22,000 members in our organization, over 800 clubs, and 180 child abuse prevention centers across the U.S. I came in support of all our clubs and for QueFest.”
Jason Castro fans showed up with lawn chairs and blankets to hear their favorite dreadhead perform songs from his latest CD, “Who I Am.” The Atlantic recording artist and Season 7 American Idol finalist concluded the outdoor concert with “Hallelujah,” and then signed autographs before heading home.
In addition to being a husband and new dad (his baby girl was born just seven days before this show), Jason has a busy touring schedule, including a performance at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida on Sept. 9, and a Youth Abstinence Rally in Mesquite on Sept. 24.
Blue Ribbon News is busy compiling photos and footage from Jason’s QueFest performance. We’ll have those posted on the site soon, along with our personal backstage interview with Jason. (Thanks to Jason and his amazing family for their hospitality.) Stay tuned to Blue Ribbon News; there may be an autographed CD or postcard in your future! For now, we thought you’d enjoy listening to Jason sing “Hallelujah” at QueFest in our preview video.
UPDATE: Here’s a video interview of Jason talking about marriage, fatherhood, faith and coming home.
Video by Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News.
To submit your news, events and photos, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.
Jason Castro sings ‘Hallelujah’ at QueFest (video) added by Blue Ribbon News on
View all posts by Blue Ribbon News →