Local acoustics

Senior Joe Marino performed Friday Sept. 13 for students, locals and bookstore shoppers at the Fairfield University Downtown Bookstore’s Café Music Series. Marino played acoustic guitar and sang covers of a variety of current pop songs and classics.

The two hour set list included “Mr. Brightside,” by The Killers, “Straight Up,” by Paula Abdul and “Hallelujah,” by Jeff Buckley. Before the night was over, several shoppers and those passing through were drawn to Marino’s original sound.

Marino had created acoustic mash-ups, where two or more songs in the same musical key are merged into one. Marino combined John Mayer’s “Your Body is A Wonderland” and Alison Krauss’ “When You Say Nothing At All” to bring both songs to a whole new level. Accompanied by Nicole Raposo ‘13, Marino sang Mayer’s lyrics while Raposo simultaneously sang Krauss’ lyrics.

After the performance, Marino received many compliments, tips and even offers to play at other local venues. He explained how these mash-ups had been a mere realization “as I was driving down the road in my car.”

“I’ve never paid for a guitar lesson in my life,” said Marino. “It is something I do for fun.”

As a junior in high school, Marino picked up a guitar and the rest was history. “I have come to a point in my life where it is weird if I do not pick up my guitar at least once a day,” stated Marino. “I get home from work or school, shower, play my guitar and go to bed. It’s routine.”

Marino was able to convey most of his story through his music and personality on stage. “If I was not playing here in front of you, I would be doing the same thing in my townhouse or at home,” said Marino.

Furthermore, Marino shared personal experience as a street musician while studying in Australia.

One day, Marino put his guitar case out and started playing. “People just started pouring money in,” recalled Marino. “I remember heading home and my guitar case felt really heavy after a few hours. When I got home and counted $212.73, it’s a number I will never forget.”

Marino will be back at the Fairfield University Downtown Bookstore Café Music Series in early October. The series will feature local artists and is open to the general public for free. On Sept. 20, Jeff Passeck and Matt Bavedas of the Mudd Band will perform at 7 p.m.

Likewise, jazz vocalist Amanda Bellitto and friends will “entertain bookstore shoppers,” said the bookstore website. There is a lot of talent out there so get out support those who are truly passionate musicians.