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SCSU set for Rezzfest
By Tia VanVeldhuizen
Published:
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Despite Jason Gay's speech handicap, or maybe because of it, he connects with his listeners.
Gay, a contemporary soloist and guitarist, will be performing at 8 p.m. Wednesday in Atwood as part of SCSU's "Rezz week" celebration. Gay has performed around the country and plays music similar to Sara Groves, John Mayer and Aimee Mann.
He has had a speech handicap, a stutter, all his life.
"It's still hard," Gay said. "I'm a communicator and I usually have a pretty clear idea of what I want to express and then I get all jammed. It's like a traffic jam in my mouth."
His stutter is only one of the personal "weaknesses" he addresses on stage.
Gay was first introduced to music while traveling with musicians like those in his mom's bar band, whom he described as "wonderful yet quirky." By third grade, he knew he would perform.
"I do music, number one because I believe I was created to. It's my part to play, you know," Gay said.
Gay said over the years he has become aware of such addictions and weaknesses. "When I try to live life my way, it isn't too long before I find myself ensnared in the chains of pursuing my own will," Gay said.
He said his music is directed to the outcast in us, even "all the beautiful people who seem to have so much."
"All the privileges they may have may inhibit them from ever knowing the deeper things of life," Gay said.
But true strength, according to Gay, comes from embracing weaknesses. "Our weaknesses make us approachable and safe and human," he said.
Gay said he has stopped worrying about stuttering on stage.
"It rarely happens," Gay said. "Fear is what makes (it) a handicap. Or, perhaps fear itself is the handicap."
Gay is now working on his fifth album, and was invited to SCSU by Christian Ministry Alliance. Gay's Wednesday performance will be just one of the many events taking place during SCSU's week-long Rezz Week. A complete listing can be found on SCSU's Web site.
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