WHEELING, WV, Sept. 28, 2009 - Wheeling Jesuit University will host musician Todd Carey in the Ratt at 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. The show is open to the public.

Whether performing solo armed with his looping mastery, or backed by his four-piece band, Carey’s performances are undeniably infectious, and foster a plainly seen connection with the audience.

“I’ve always gravitated towards the writers and performers who seem to possess that transcendental quality. The ones who literally reached off the stage or through your stereo speakers with there own two hands and shook you,” Carey explained. “Playing live and writing songs are just the tools I employ to hopefully achieve that goal of making a physical connection with my audience.”

Carey has shared the stage with Jackson Browne, Jason Mraz, Marc Broussard, G. Love & Special Sauce, Virginia Coalition, and co-headled with L.A. singer/songwriter, Bushwalla, for three weeks.

Carey is acclaimed for his hot-wire live performances and has been hailed as a "talented musician with a lot of energy and an established following" (MTV Online), and a "star front man (with) solid material," (Music Connection). Carey's songs would be impressive enough if they were simply wonderfully crafted, radio-ready gems. But there’s an actual story behind his pop-inflected melodies, bedrock rhythms and introspective lyrics.

Back in 2004, Carey found himself at a crossroads. Born and raised in the Chicago area, he had moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s to study music at the prestigious University of Southern California.

Before long, he was earning his rock 'n' roll keep as front man for the improvisational LA band, Telepathy. Though Carey's charismatic stage presence helped transform Telepathy into one of Southern California’s most successful club acts, the singer-guitarist found himself beset by feelings of restlessness, and returned to Chicago with new direction.

"It was the live thing," Carey recalled with a laugh, referring to the Mid-West’s fanatical crowds. "I missed playing shows for audiences who really want to grow with their artists."

The Ratt is located in Swint Hall on the university’s campus and parking and admission is free.