I’m very excited to report that I placed second over all in the 20 and over division at the National Finals of the Showstopper talent competition. I performed a Song and Dance Routine to the classic Kander and Ebb song “New York, New York”. Receiving a Platinum award level, I won the 20 and over Song and Dance category. The Song and Dance category requires competitors to combine vocal and dance technique into one seamless performance.

This was my third year to compete in the Showstopper competition. I received Platinum awards for the last three years, but this is my first year to “place” in competitive 20 and over division. Performing for the judges puts much more pressure on me than performing for an audience. I know the judges are looking for good dance technique and strong vocal quality. I also have to make sure that I connect with them during the performance. Competing in the Showstopper competitions has helped me to tremendously improve my overall performance quality. I’m thrilled to have improved my scores every year and continued my development as a performer.

The evening was a musical journey around the world through song and dance, with Suzanne providing the vocals and the Alma Dolores Dancers providing the footwork. Suzanne even joined them for the Mexican Folklorico dances. The dancers were all happy to share their talents for a worthy cause and Suzanne was thrilled with the positive response from the audience members. Suzanne sang songs from many different Broadway shows including Cats, Evita, Les Miserables, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Oklahoma and South Pacific.

The dancers performed Flamenco, Irish, Polynesian, Hip Hop, Clogging and Mexican dances. Audience members commented that enjoyed Suzanne’s singing, and loved the costumes and energy of the show. Some of the other parish members are interested in having Suzanne perform another show in Patagonia in September or October to help raise money for the church’s general fund. Suzanne is excited about another opportunity to volunteer her time to help out her church community.

Saturday, September 15th, the Huachuca Youth Football and Cheer Association will be holding their Season Opening Ceremony around 12:00 between the Mighty Might and Pee Wee football games. They plan to have a Color Guard there and have asked me to sing the National Anthem. This will be my third year in a row to have this honor. I am always thrilled when groups asked me to sing anything patriotic, especially the National Anthem.

The dancers from the Alma Dolores International Dance Center will be performing several numbers with the band including High School Musical and Greased Lightening. Alma has asked me to sing “All That Jazz” from the musical Chicago in a production number with the band and dancers. We’ve been rehearsing for several weeks and we are all very excited about tonight’s show. In addition, there will be other guest artist joining the Buena Jazz Band.

I am very excited to be part of this fun variety show.

My next singing performance will be Friday June 8th at the Alma Dolores International Dance Center Spring Recital. As part of the Flamenco section of the show, I will be performing a solo song and dance to the music of Bizet’s Carmen. I plan to perform this same song and dance at the Showstoppers competition in Anaheim.

Looking way into the future, I have booking for Saturday Feb 9th, 2008 at Tucson Estates. One of my friends from the Veterans Hospital lives there and has booked me for show at the clubhouse.