Rural American Music Revue

By Minda Painter

Undoubtedly, an appreciative audience and the lights on stage bring out the best of artists, especially budding, new talent. That describes the character of the Rural American Music Revue at the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre last Saturday night. This show, presented by the P.O.I.N.T. organization, featured the first set of the Rural American Idol Competition.

A late start in rehearsal time was unsettling, especially with seven scheduled performers. Despite the limited time, the band diligently worked with each of the contestants with amazing results. The five artists that made up the Shindig Band were headed by Geary Cason on bass guitar. Also playing were L.D Dabbs on lead guitar, Curtis Wayne on the 3-neck guitar, Joe Mac Ivy on saxophone, and Jimmie Rodgers on drums. Ivy’s ability with flute was an added attraction.

Brenda Akins Martin co-emceed the show with Jimmie Painter. She opened the show by paying tribute to the servicemen protecting our country and our freedom. As she sang a medley of patriotic songs, the audience stood to pay homage to our troop. Brenda’s brother, Tom Akins from Winnsboro, was also a featured guest performer The brother-sister team showed their skill and competence in their performance, even without the benefit of rehearsal with the band. With his acoustic guitar in tow, Tom led the Shindig Band through several of his original tunes. 

(Tom Akins and Brenda Akins Martin)

The competition conducted during the first half of the show was intense. Each contestant presented their songs to be judged for competition by the audience and judges. As the evening progressed to the second half of the show, each one filled the evening with superb entertainment.

The first showdown was between the two contestants in the senior Division 3. Old country songs “You Ain’t Woman Enough” and “I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name” were splendidly presented by Sandy Dean from Canton.

The challenge was picked up by Amanda Pruitt. With a commanding presentation, she garnered the win for a spot in the final competition in November. Her “new country music“ selections, “Anyway” and “My Strongest Weakness”  were easily  the crowd’s favorite.

The next challenge was between two twelve-year old youngsters. Morgan Woodward of Winnsboro delighted the crowd with “Broken Wing” and “Crazy”. Born with a hearing impairment, she sings with the aid of an implanted prosthesis. Special volume coordination with the sound booth had to be arranged for her performance. With her remarkably beautiful voice, she reached the high notes with good control.

The challenge was taken seriously by Katia Rojo of Emory. The transformation of this demure gal between rehearsal time and performance time was most impressive.  Her performance of “I Just Called to Say I Love You” and “Board Walk” thrilled the audience. The first stage experience for Katia shows she will be a talent to watch. She made a good impression for a beginning talent. Morgan Woodward was selected to go to the finals.

Victoria Ecker of McKinney in Division 2 did not face a challenge with her competition missing the show to attend her school prom night. Nevertheless, she awed the audience with her stage presence and performance. Presenting her songs “Famous In a Small Town” and waltzing into the tempo of “San Antonio Stroll”, thunderous applause signified their appreciation of her talent.     

At the close of the competition segment, Brenda Martin gave her endearing performance “Cowboy Sweetheart”, which included her impressive yodeling. Highly spirited, she delivered the Louisiana Cajun song “Twist and Shout” with great enthusiasm. Elegantly dressed in a long, shimmering, black gown, Brenda teamed with Joe Mac Ivy for an Etta James’ classic, “At Last” and then sang, “How Great Thou Art” to close the show.

A fun-filled evening ended with tremendous satisfaction for everyone. The promotion of promising, new vocalists in our Rural America, backed by some very gifted musicians in our midst, is a continuing mission for the P.O.I.N.T. organization.  The Rural American Idol Contest, presented by the organization of P.O.I.N.T. is now on its 8th year. A $1000 cash prize will be awarded to the overall winner in November, who will take the title Rural American Idol-2010.

For more information on how to qualify for the competition and or membership interest to the P.O.I.N.T. organization, call Minda Painter at 903-598-3809 or Gaye Hooten at 903-598-3209. Information and entry forms are available on-line at the organization’s website www.ruralamericans.org

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“The King” returns to the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre

Friday Night Shindig Show will be an evening of good, ole’ country music. Featured performers are Gene Smith, Jr., Russell Lindsey, and Rusty Hines. Showtime is at 7:30.

For Saturday Night, May 1st, the Texas Country Music Concert Series will feature “Elvis Impersonator”, Josh Davis.  “The King” will be doing a whole lot of shakin’ on stage at the Cotton Pickin’ Theater. This will be an electrifying event, as witnessed two weeks ago. In a special appearance, young Davis shocked the crowd and pleased the ladies in the audience with his gyrating and swiveling performance. The Elvis likeness seemed uncanny and his songs seem to make him an authentic copy.

Josh Davis will have a repeat performance with all the Elvis favorites next Saturday as a Showtime is at 8:00 p.m.