By Jerry Del Priore 

It seems like yesterday that Gavin DeGraw first released his debut album Chariot — which spawned the hit single “I Don’t Want to Be,” as it became the theme song for the popular television drama series One Tree Hill — in 2003. 

Well, 16 years later and DeGraw’s latest tour will take him to the New York/New Jersey area, and I couldn’t be happier. The first show in the area is on Saturday, May 25th, at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, New York.  

Then, on Sunday, August 4th, the 41-year-old “Chariot” singer will be on stage at the Mayo Performance Arts Center in Morristown, New Jersey.

I am hoping to see that performance with my beloved girlfriend Maggie, as we both texted each other at the same time when we found out he’s scheduled to play there on that date. True story! 

Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 3rd, at 10:00 a.m. 

DeGraw will play three more dates in New York:

First one is on Tuesday, August 6th, at The Paramount in Huntington, Long Island, followed by a concert on Thursday, August 8th, at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester, New York. 

The last is on Monday, September 2nd, at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, New York. 

DeGraw sports numerous hits to his name, including “Not Over You,” “In Love With a Girl,” and my favorite, “Soldier.”  

For more touring dates and tickets to the concerts, log onto http://gavindegrawtour.rtouring.com/.

Watch the music video of Soldier below.