#52Tuesdays: Tosco Music and Olivia Martin
The story goes that Amazon, Apple, and Disney all started in a garage and turned into the most influential online retailer, technology company, and media conglomerate in the world, respectively. And if that was not enough proof that great things can come from humble beginnings, take Tosco Music for example. Tosco Music, a local 501c3 nonprofit organization, began as intimate jam sessions in founder John Tosco’s living room and has grown into an organization that not only puts on community concerts where nationally recognized acts and undiscovered artists share the stage, but also provides music scholarships and conducts community outreach programs.
These community concerts, scholarships and programs were all dreamt up with Tosco Music’s mission statement in mind:“ To present a wide variety of music through performances and outreach programs; foster a sense of community among listeners and performers; and connect professional and amateur musicians to share and inspire one another.”
*Enter Olivia Martin*
Olivia Martin is a perfect example of a local artist who has maximized all of the benefits of being a Tosco Music performer. Martin is a singer-songwriter from Charlotte who got involved with Tosco Music just two years ago when she met founder John Tosco and was immediately excited by his passion to help young musicians like herself. Song writing since age 11, Martin jumped at the chance to share her talents with the network of musicians, both professional and amateur that Tosco Music had to offer.
Since getting involved with Tosco Music, Martin has received two scholarships to The Swannanoa Gathering and even released her first album, titled “I’m a Song”, in March of 2017 - all before graduating high school. Martin will be attending Belmont University in the fall, but knows she will always be a part of the Tosco Music family and will continue to be an active member of the organization even from afar while pursuing a degree in Song Writing.
Visit Olivia Martin’s official website.
Learn more about Tosco Music here.
Photo credit: Dana Gray Studios