not eligible for this category were women. So out of all the dudes, I was the dudest.”
Winning 2011’s Best Performer in Music, and now 2012’s Best Male performer, Singer /songwriter Jason Levasseur continues to be a n amazing campus star. Jason’s mix of music and playful banter has made him more than a musician on stage. He is able to captivate his audience between songs as though they were the other half of a conversation he was sharing with an old friend. Jason enthralls his audience to the last note.
For a musician, it is essential to engage the audience both with your music and your personality. “Having played so many shows as a musician, I’ve begun to understand the importance of playing shows as a performer. Sometimes that means the delivery of the songs, and sometimes it’s about the relationship I develop with the audience. As a performer you can’t just get up there and play your songs, you have to engage the audience to make that event something memorable.”
Most commonly seen with a trucker hat and a big grin, Jason’s off stage disposition matches the quirky approachability he exhibits onstage. Getting to know the students on campus and spending time with them is another reason Jason connects so strongly to his audience.
He is no stranger to awards, having won several in his career. “Winning Best Musical Performer last year was flattering because the other musicians on the ballot were phenomenal. But this year with Best Male performer, it is not only musicians who are considered, but speakers and any other form of entertainment. It’s very flattering to win this award because it is such a broad category. The only performers
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As a musician, Jason is extremely well rounded. He began his musical career as a drummer, even developing his own upright drum kit so he could stand and play while singing. As his musical ambitions evolved he began writing and playing with the acoustic guitar. Most recently Jason has been working on the instrumental releases of his three studio albums. But because of the dramatic decrease in CD sales, musicians must seek out alternate ways to generate income. One such avenue is to submit music for television and film licensing. “I have an entire catalog of songs just sitting there. This is a new avenue for me and I am really excited about it. There are always other opportunities that may present themselves but I am never going to walk away from the college market.” Most recently Jason performed in the listening room festival in Tampa where numerous individuals hosted private concerts in their home. “Concerts in the home have been really neat because it’s just about sharing the music and sharing that time together. It has a nice intimate feel.” Jason’s newest endeavor in the college market is a lecture called “Get your Show on the Road.” This program is a motivation talk about finding your passion in life. “I encourage students with Rock n’ Roll stories to pursue their passions in life.”
Jason’s unique talent and his on and off stage charisma have all contributed to his 2012 award for Best Male Performer - A new plateau for an artist that is celebrated every year for his achievements in campus entertainment. For info Contact: Bass/Schuler Entertainment at 773.481.2600 or chris@bass-schuler.com
RUNNER-UP: MARC ELLIOT
Marc Elliot knows the importance of understanding people's differences. Marc's speech is loaded with timely humor, powerful anecdotes, and fundamental lessons of tolerance to encourage audiences leaving them motivated, better-informed, and reflecting on their own lives. He shares his life story to convey the value of tolerance and the basic attitudes and behaviors that allow it to flourish.
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