THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, June 7, 1996 TAG: 9606060187
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 08 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DAWSON MILLS, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 77 lines
If a chorus of angels sang ``pop'' tunes, they probably would sound something like what took place a week ago at First Assembly of God Church.
More than 200 contemporary Christian music performers descended upon the Great Neck Road church's auditorium last Friday and Saturday for Christian Artist Showcase '96.
``This is a brand new event,'' explained Tom de Graaf, the church's director of sanctuary music and organizer of the showcase. ``It will be semiannual, occurring twice a year. This one is geared more to contemporary Christian music. The next one, Oct. 18 and 19, will be geared to gospel music.''
Regardless of the tone, the event is designed to showcase local talent.
``We're here to be heard,'' explained Shannon Smith, who performed a solo rendition of ``I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy,'' and, with his wife, Kathryn, sang ``I've Just Seen Jesus.''
The performers waited quietly backstage for their turns to perform in the darkened 1,800-seat auditorium. Some were visibly nervous.
``I'm surprised some were able to go on at all,'' said backstage director Laura Chipley. ``But once they start singing, they do all right.''
Jeanne Mitchell, a prayer counselor with ``The 700 Club,'' sang Wagnerian opera with the New Orleans Opera Company 20 years ago but was nervous about taking another turn under the spotlights. Her nervousness vanished, however, once she got on stage and launched into an almost traditional rendition of ``How Great Thou Art.''
``It's a comeback attempt for me,'' she said. ``I've never done Christian music before.''
At stake in the competition was a chance to be featured on a ``new artist'' demo recording that de Graaf has arranged to have auditioned by several contemporary Christian record producers. The recording, de Graaf explained, will be offered to record companies as a complete project and as individual song demos for new artists and songwriters.
``It's difficult for singers and songwriters to get heard,'' de Graaf said. ``Getting inside those companies is a feat in itself. I've put this showcase together from the top down. I contacted the companies first.''
Participants came from across Hampton Roads, paying registration fees of $25 to $65 for the chance to be heard and scouted.
``I believe I heard someone say they were from Pennsylvania,'' said Libby Woodward, who was handling registration and check-in.
Shane Dunlap, part of a duo with Stacie James, had been sick in bed for three days with an ailment that was still affecting his voice. Nonetheless, Dunlap and James performed Friday afternoon, singing ``Through All The Years.'' Scheduled to perform again that evening, they were rescheduled for late Saturday night to give him slightly more than 24 hours to mend.
``We both sing solos,'' said Dunlap, explaining how the two 22-year-olds had gotten together. ``We've both been singing since we were in diapers. I also sing in a Southern Gospel group.''
``We've only been doing this duet together for two weeks,'' added James, ``but it just kind of clicked. Both of us have the same goals in life. If it's God's plan, that's what's going to happen.''
Barry Black, 18, one of the younger competitors, stared pensively outside from the lobby after his performance was over. A recent graduate from Pine Forge Academy, in Pennsylvania, he had sung in its choir, performing for President Clinton at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., earlier this year.
``My mother entered me into this,'' he explained. ``I've never sung professionally in this area. I want to be a lawyer, but I do have musical aspirations. I'll develop the talents that God gave me.''
About 1,000 people turned out for the awards ceremony Saturday night. It was then that Shannon Smith, James, and Dunlap learned they were among the winners, having secured a place on the demo recording. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by DAWSON MILLS
Stacie James, left, and Shane Dunlap, both 22, were grand-prize
winners of a demo recording in the Christian Showcase '96
competition. They performed a duet titled, ``Through All The
Years.''
Tom de Graaf, director of sanctuary music at First Assembly of God
Church, was the showcase organizer. by CNB