Garsee stars at Dogwood Western Weekend
Local singer big hit at area festivals

Newsboy photo/ Sharon Kerr C.J. GARSEE is everywhere.Two weeks ago she wowed crowds at the Azalea Festival in Jasper. March 30 and 31 she will entertain at the Dogwood Western Weekend Open Rodeo, and also a street concert on the courthouse square in Woodville.

So much talent has come out of southeast Texas in the recent past it is beginning to appear to some as the "New Nashville."

From this pool of talent another fresh new artist, C.J. Garsee, is cutting her own path to bring "her" brand of music to the forefront. Garsee is an up and coming singer/songwriter with a sound all her own. Singing has been her passion for many years, but a part of her life forever.

Garsee says, "Making music is something I have always done, no matter where life has led me, I've always had music."

Garsee's singing style has been influenced by all genres of music, from country and R&B to pop and rock. She blends the best of each together to produce a soulful sound that really hits home.

Throughout high school Garsee excelled in academics and athletics. While maintaining a high GPA she led the Buna High School volleyball team to bi-district champs and was named MVP of the district.

While in school Garsee developed her voice singing at local events, but she decided to wait until she graduated to concentrate all her efforts on a music career.

In the spring of 2006, her senior year, Garsee was invited to be the opening act for a Hurricane Rita relief "in the round" featuring, Mark Nesler, Jennifer Hanson, Mike McQuerry and Steve Waites.

Later that year, she performed at the South Texas State fair, and was featured on the local ABC affiliate as the next rising star from Southeast Texas.

Currently Garsee is wrapping up her debut project "Believe In Me" with Texas songwriters Mike McQuerry and David Reed.

Throughout the summer and fall she has been honing her songwriting skills co-writing the songs for the project.

McQuerry comments, "C.J. has shown an incredible vision and commitment toward her music career. She not only has the tools to be a great singer/songwriter, she also possesses a 'big picture' understanding of the hard work it takes to be competitive in today's market. She is, without a doubt, up to the challenge."

Garsee will perform at the Dogwood Western Weekend Open Rodeo sponsored by the Woodville Lions Club on March 30 and 31 at the Tyler County 4-H Arena.

She will also be featured at a street concert on the Tyler County Courthouse square prior to the Western Weekend parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 31.