CMT’s Nashville Star Contestant, Sean Patrick McGraw playing Ellicottville’s Gin Mill

by Shannon Barie

Sean Patrick McGraw, Western New York native and country music singer/songwriter, will be playing at Ellicottville's Gin Mill, 20 Washington Street, Nov. 26.

McGraw was a semi-finalist on CMT’s Nashville Star, and his debut album is expected to be released this year by Little Engine Records and their partner, CMT. He recently performed his single, “All things Texan” at the Professional Bull Riders World Finals in Las Vegas at the end of October.

Last year McGraw performed on Toby Keith’s summer tour, and he has shared the stage with country stars like Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Patty Loveless, Pat Green and Miranda Lambert.

As an artist who doesn’t stick to set lists and prefers to feel out his audience, McGraw said, “Expect surprises” at next Friday’s performance.

“My shows are never the same as the last,” said McGraw. “I’m always writing new material and the Gin Mill is a great place to play, I’m looking forward to playing for local fans.”

So how did this Dunkirk, N.Y native find his way to the stage?

McGraw stated, “I grew up listening to artists like Dwight Yoakam and Steve Earle, they made me want to be a country music star. So I started playing guitar around age 13, and then I began playing in local bands until I moved to California in my early 20’s.”

He added, “My advice for anyone interested in a music career is to follow your heart, make honest music, and make music that makes people care. The music industry is always changing, so be able to change with it.”

You can request McGraw’s single “My So Called Life” on your local radio station, or check it out on iTunes, and make sure to stop by Friday night for some show-stopping country music!

The show starts at 7 p.m.

For more information about Sean Patrick McGraw check out his website www.seanpatrickmcgraw.com