As promised, here’s a snippet (well, a full five minutes) of our backstage conversation with Atlantic recording artist and American Idol finalist Jason Castro.
This footage was shot after Jason performed for well over an hour at Firewheel Town Center in Garland, where the Rowlett Exchange Club presented its second annual QueFest. The two-day charity fundraising event was held on Labor Day weekend, to benefit the nonprofit organization’s child abuse prevention efforts.
Oh, and did we mention that Jason spent nearly an hour autographing CDs, postcards and T-shirts for fans who stood in line post-show? (We have a couple of signed goodies to give away…stay tuned!)
That’s the kind of guy Jason is – humble, genuine, approachable – even after an emotionally charged performance on an outdoor stage, where the breeze – though welcome – picked up the dirt from the drought-stricken ground and dusted the band’s equipment, and our faces.
As Jason politely answered our questions, I’m sure he was a little hungry for the tasty barbecue and potato salad that was prepared for the band. His parents, sister and brother (even his grandmother) were there to help and support. He posed for photos with QueFest volunteers and never missed a beat, though I’m sure he was anxious to get home and hold his new baby girl.
Thank you to Jason, QueFest, the Rowlett Exchange Club, and the entire Castro family for their gracious hospitality – and the chance to share this inside look at the man behind the music that moves us.
IN THE WORDS OF JASON CASTRO
On Mandy & marriage:
“From the first time I met her I just knew there was something different about her. I never really met anybody like her….It was a cool time when I was kind of turning, really surrendered my life to God at the same time she was…We came from different backgrounds, totally different circle of friends…Our paths would have never crossed if it wasn’t for our faith.”
On Madeline & fatherhood:
“She’s a week old today…It’s just been a cool week…seeing her…it’s such a miracle, man. And just thinking back on my life…really I feel like it’s a reward for faith…”
“I just feel like, you know, moments like this – you know, the birth of my first kid – and I just look back and just see how God’s providing…I didn’t know how it was going to all play out, but just trusting in the Lord has led me to life I never imagined, a life better than I deserve for sure…”
On keeping the faith & coming home:
“I think it all comes down to community. …American Idol was a whirlwind, and we went, and you know the Idol tour that we do right afterward was a really great experience, really fun – but I really felt isolated through the whole thing, you know, just so disconnected after months away from home…I really hadn’t connected to any home church at home either, so whether I was on tour or whether I was at home, it was the same issue…that is just having community, I think that’s something that’s part of God’s plan for our sanctification…”
“That’s why we live in Dallas….I lived in LA for a year, you know, and everything’s going on in Nashville – there’s reasons to move everywhere else for the career…but I decided to stay here because of family…It’s home.”
And yes, we will post photos and even more video footage soon! We welcome your feedback by commenting below, so we can continue to bring you the coverage you’re looking for. And in case you missed it, check out this video of Jason singing ‘Hallelujah’ at QueFest.
Jason Castro on marriage, fatherhood, faith (video) added by Blue Ribbon News on
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