RURAL AMERICAN IDOL SALUTES VETERANS
By
Minda Painter

Ryan Seacrest would have been proud. He is emcee of the glitzy, “American Idol”, T.V. show, hottest program on the small screen, today. However, it was the live action on stage Saturday night, that drew all the attention in Rains County over the Memorial Weekend. 

The opening of the Rural American Music Review was studded with lights, action, flags, and choruses of patriotic music, as the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre kicked off its search for the Rural American Idol. The program featured a commemoration of Memorial Day. Veterans from the American Legion Post. Jasper Northcutt, John Satterwhite, and Wayne Leshe posted the U.S. colors on stage after they marched to the stage to the cadence of a lonely drum beat. In a somber memorial to the service men and women who had paid the supreme price for our freedom, emcee Jimmie Painter recognized those who served in the military and also honored those who lost a loved one in battle. As part of the tribute, a poem “Freedom Is Not Free” was read by Minda Painter.

While the evening’s show started with a certain somberness, a spark ignited in the crowd as Rick Painter opened the musical portion of the show with Jimmy Buffet’s, “Margaretville”. The heady cocktail song and the vibrant tempo set the stage for a fun evening for the entire crowd.

The show featured Larry Massey, a finalist in the Rural American Idol in 2007. His repertoire of Johnny Cash selections drew great approval from the audience.  

As the participants in the Rural American Idol audition gave their performance, a very enthusiastic crowd responded favorably with their thunderous applause and numerous trips to the tip hat.

An outstanding show, with four marvelous talents, sparked enthusiasm on and off stage as the Rural Idol Audition Night featured the contrasting talents of these young singers.

Kimberley Kinsey, from Terrell, who had her first stage performance in the 2007 Rural Idol Competition, was the youngest of the competitors. Her audition showed the remarkable progress she has made working with her coach. She dedicated her song, “God Bless the U.S.A.” as a tribute to her brother who is servicing in Iraq. In a moving display of patriotism, as the line in the song “ I’ll gladly stand-up, next to you and defend her still today”, the audience rose to their feet for a rousing finish to the tribute by Kimberley.

Belinda Martin, another budding talent from Point, performed “I Told You So” with a lot of “attitude”. The stylish, young singer presented a charming picture on stage, decked out high-heels and a cute, little black frock. By far, she “looked “ the part as she sang her other songs. Her personality seemed to light up the stage, and It was a pleasure to have her back.

Lindsey Harding, from Longview, is a youngster just starting out on the Opry circuit. Enrolled at Kilgore Junior College, she has set her mind on a musical career. Her song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” brings memories of Judy Garland, and her daughter, Liza Minnelli; however, the arrangement was all, “Lindsey Harding”. This little lady has a powerful voice and beautiful presence on stage. 

Nobody has to worry about Colton Dewberry, from Corrigan. At 17-years-old, this young man is confident and self-assured. His song for the audition, “Don’t Worry About Me”, was just a preview of his powerful voice and his ability on stage. He will be a singer to watch in the future.

(L-R: Colton Dewberry, Belinda Martin, Kimberly Kinsey, Lindsey Harding)

A very satisfied audience voted for all of the singers to move on to the competition next July. That is when the going gets tougher for the competitors, because, the trimming of the field begins then. Only winners of the competition will move forward to the finals in November and the grand prize of $1000 for the title, Rural American Idol 2009.

Audition for the Rural Idol Competition will continue next month. For more information, call Minda Painter at 903-598-3809, or Gaye Hooten at 903-598-3293 or visit www.ruralamericans.org.

For the Axton’s Texas Top Teams Lake Fork Fishing Tournament May 29 to 31, a free concert will be conducted during registration and check-in on Friday, May 29, at the Rains County Fairgrounds in Emory from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by some of P.O.I.N.T.’s Rural American Idol talents with live music back-up from the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre’s “Shindig Band”.

The 5th Saturday show at the Point theater will be the scheduled Gospel Night. Featured guest performers are Ronnie Nalls, Carl Hall, and Michael Meshell. Showtime starts at 7:30 p.m.