American Traditions Competition

It's very exciting~ I've been selected as one of 28 Quarter-Finalists for the American Traditions Competition. After an intense application process and pre-screening, the judges selected just 28 contestants from all over the United States, to compete as part of a week-long festival in beautiful Savannah, Georgia, in late February. Unlike so many competitions, this one reimburses travel costs, and provides host-housing during the festival.

Each of these contestants specialize in versatility of the voice- as they must demonstrate the ability to sing across all genres, from Opera to Country and Folk Songs to Jazz and Hymns & Spirituals, to Broadway! I am very excited about befriending and hearing other people who love these genres as much as I do. 

A description from their website states: "The American Traditions Competition was established as a world renowned arts institution located in Savannah, Georgia. It was established to provide a forum for showcasing tomorrow's vocal talents and superstars; and to celebrate the diverse repertoire of standard, classic American music."

This song: "The Sweetheart Tree"---was my favorite clip that I submitted for the application (I also submitted Star Dust, and Girl in 14G, which you can watch on my youtube page); but this simple Johnny Mercer song, has special meaning for me- I remember singing it as a kid when my Mom gave me a bunch of old sheet music from my Grandfather's Piano Store. I never knew my Papa Kurtz; he died from Heart Disease before I was born, but I have been told lots of stories about him by my 98 year-old Nannee (grandma) in Nashville, TN. That stack of old sheet music was well-loved by me, because for some reason just knowing it was labeled by my Papa and sitting in his store in the 50's and 60's always took me to a different place. Sometimes, a simpler place. At least, that's how I imagine it. Like this song. 

The Old Homestead, where my 98 year-old Nannee's family first lived near Nashville, TN...one of my favorite places in the world. This song "Sweetheart Tree" by Johnny Mercer reminds me of my roots in the south.