For two decades, John Tosco has been inviting musician friends into homes for informal song circles and jam sessions. What started out in living rooms has grown so large, it requires bigger venues. Saturday, Sept. 10 was the 15th show in its current home, Central Piedmont Community College’s Dale F. Halton Theater.

What is equally impressive to the mostly original music performed on that stage is the fact that all performers donate their time and talent to Tosco Music Party (TMP). Some of these folks traveled quite far to play one or two songs. (Seriously, there is no way you can see so many talented acts for less than $20.)

For the Tosco Music Party and founder John, it is truly all about the music. Tosco Music Party is a diverse mix, which included singer/songwriters, as well as Americana, acoustic and jazz, a cappella, bluegrass, pop and doo-wop, even classical tenor. Ron Gattis blew us away with a voice that really didn’t need a microphone. Every Tosco Music Party has different artists in its line up, which is another reason to see them all. (Check out Monty Chandler’s photos of past performances here.)

These events are known for many things, from the richly talented performers to its family friendly themes, but a Tosco Music Party signature is the “singalongs.” Even though every Tosco Music Party is a showcase of new performances, there is always the Tosco Music Party Singalong choir and band, John’s core musical family, if you will. They come out to perform with the audience for the singalongs, which start and end the show. (If you don’t sing well, no worries, your voice is accompanying hundreds of others and the words are always printed for you.)

Time does fly by, but you will need the intermission to stretch your legs, meet some performers, buy some CDs or a piece of pizza or just take in some fresh air and the beautiful uptown night skyline. Before, during and after the Tosco Music Party, there is a palpable excitement in the air, and it’s so refreshing to have all ages, colors and backgrounds in one place filled with joy.

All the musicians made an impression, but there were some standouts. Honestly, a Tosco Music Party is a great place to discover new music. Ranford Almond is a 12-year-old Americana musician, whose guitar was almost as big as he was. He has a young voice, but an acoustic depth and confidence that made you say, “Wow.”

Kira Small, who sang and played keyboard, has a powerful musical chemistry singing R&B with her husband, Bryan Beller, on bass. You could  feel the power of Small’s voice all the way to the top of the balcony.

Adam Rafferty’s music may be difficult to describe, but Tosco said he was the “designated guitar virtuoso” of the night. Rafferty plays “funky finger-style guitar” and with only his body and guitar represents multiple “parts” like the guitar, bass, drum, etc. With closed eyes, his rendition of Herbie Hancock’s “The Chameleon” sounded like a lot more than one man with a guitar.

Catie Curtis, from Boston, who was dubbed a “folk-rock goddess” by The New Yorker magazine, had us smiling with her musical stories we could all relate to. (She played The Evening Muse the following night.) Stephanie Nilles, who came from New Orleans, played the piano, sharing her powerful jazz punk, singing and song-writing style. Her contemporary, funky jazz musical poetry was one of the most stunning performances of the night.

You can buy your tickets now for the next Tosco Music Party on Jan. 28, 2012 in the Dale F. Halton Theater. And, there is a regular smaller, open-mic version the first Wednesday of every month at The Evening Muse in NoDa.