Wrenshall musician to offer annual gift to the community

• Tom Cawcutt

Tom Cawcutt

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The Christmas season has long been the perfect backdrop for concert pianist/vocalist Tom Cawcutt Sr. of Wrenshall to share his gift of music with area residents and benefit needy families of the area as well.

This year, Cawcutt is planning to continue that tradition with a holiday concert set for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 12th Street and Doddridge Avenue, Cloquet.

Cawcutt is a well-established singer-songwriter-performer, and last year his original “jingle” was selected as the official theme song of Bentleyville, the annual Christmas lighting extravaganza held at Duluth’s Bayfront Park. In November 2009, Cawcutt also showcased his talents for NBC’s reality series “America’s Got Talent.”

Cawcutt began playing piano at the age of 3 after his family discovered he had a natural ear for music. After several years of classical training, he was accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School of Music at the age of 16 but decided not to go because he was performing with a local group at the time.

He went on to major in percussion at the University of Wisconsin-Superior and later began work with Potlatch (now Sappi) in Cloquet in 1974 and has been employed at the local mill ever since.

Music has remained a driving force in Cawcutt’s life, however, and he has released numerous recordings as well as performed in concerts and events throughout the region over the years.

Tickets for Cawcutt’s upcoming holiday concert will be available at the door the night of the event, with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit area families in need. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for students and children ages 12 and under will be admitted for free.

The public is invited to share in this special evening of holiday entertainment, which promises to have “a little something for everyone.”

“It’s Christmas music.....and a whole lot more!!” promised Cawcutt.

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