JOHN-ROBERT – Virginian Vocalist Extraordinaire

John-Robert Lee Rimel

Twelve year old John-Robert Lee Rimel is a rising singer/performer from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. He currently attends Middle School and is in the 7^th Grade. John-Robert sings in the school chorus where he was selected for the All District Middle School Choir and was also selected through a rigorous audition process for the All State Virginia Middle School Honor Choir. He has the distinguished honor of being the only boy selected in Shenandoah County. John is the oldest of 4 children, so his siblings are always looking up to him.

His Father shared with me that John-Robert showed musical talent at a very young age. Their first memory of his ability came during a visit from his Aunt who played guitar, when she noticed that John-Robert was humming along in perfect pitch. “We didn’t think much of it at the time”; his father said. “He was just 5 years old”.

As several years past, John-Robert would ask to sing acappella at dinner parties or gatherings. They all thought how cool, as he was singing the songs from start to finish in perfect pitch remembering all the lyrics perfectly!

I’m told that John-Robert’s breakout performance was when he was 9 years old. A local Singer was introducing her album at the Shenandoah Relay for Life Event at the Shenandoah Fairgrounds.  His parents noticed that people were not paying too much attention. So as his father passed the stage, he asked if John-Robert could sing a song on stage. She replied, bring him up! John-Robert had been playing kickball at the time, so with dirty knees, shirt, and shorts, a hot and sweaty John-Robert headed to the stage. At first she kind of patronized John-Robert a little, but once he opened his mouth, you could have heard a pin drop in that Grandstand. People were literally running to the stage to hear who was singing Train’s Hit “Hey Soul Sister” acappella. When he finished, the crowd roared!!! His parents looked at each other in disbelief, because John-Robert had never stepped foot on stage in his young life before. He had performed unfazed by the hundreds of people in attendance!

His father explained; “He has been hooked ever since!”

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Sam Verlinden Debuts Original Song and Music Video “I Want Ya”

“I’m so ready for this – I feel like I’ve been ready for this for years.”

                                                                                                                       Sam Verlinden            

Of all the artists that have graced this site, Sam Verlinden is one of the longest and most featured talents on Rivenmaster’s Place.  Sam’s first article ran on September 30, 2009, only a few weeks after the sites conception, and he shares the honor of being one of two artists who were featured nearly every day for an entire month. 

Sam Verlinden has always demonstrated a vocal talent that exceeds his years of experience.  He has amazed millions through his YouTube Site and excited audiences numbering in the thousands at outdoor concert events held in New Zealand.  While the ocean is the only thing that has kept him from a recent visit to the United States his fame has not been hindered, reaching across several continents resulting in an ever growing fan base.   

Sam’s last article published here was in 2011 not long after he performed at the legendary Parachute Festival on the Main stage. This performance really gave him a boost to his local fan numbers and set the stage for even bigger things.

Sam has never stopped working, performing and singing, and like most young singers grabs every opportunity to perform.  There was also the move to College, (High School in New Zealand), which tripled the amount of homework that goes with that territory, as well as his active involvement in rugby.  Saying Sam was busy would be an understatement when it comes to his everyday life activities.

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Sam Santiago Featured on Maury’s Future Stars 2013

“You can sing kid!” – “Maury Povich” 

SamSantiago

Ten year old Singing Sensation, Sam Santiago  from Irvine California, was awarded with a series of claps, applauds, and jubilees throughout his rendition of Bruno Mars’ number one hit single, “When I Was Your Man”, on the popular Maury Povich Show last Tuesday, April 2nd. 

 An experience of a lifetime had fallen upon young Sam, as this  10 year old singing prodigy finally got a little taste of the big entertainment life he had been longing for. 

 Sam’s older brother, Penuel who supports his younger brother by creating all of Sam’s videos and doing his photography explained;

 “Sam was ecstatic when he first heard about this amazing opportunity.  The house was filled with a mixture of emotions, from joy to anxiety, as our parents worked through all the paperwork and deadlines, while the kids began to spread the exciting news to everyone. “

Sam Santiago Performs on Maury Show

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Sawyer Fredericks from Stage Fright to Spot Light a Young Artists Journey

Sawyer Fredericks

Soon to be 14 year old Sawyer Christopher Fredericks was born March 31, 1999 on a blue moon.  He lived in Connecticut, first in Newtown, then in Roxbury, with his mother, father and two older brothers until 2007, when they moved to upstate NY and bought a small family farm. 

Like many young talented musicians, Sawyer was singing before he could even speak, basically singing with perfect pitch.  While his words I’m told were nonsensical (baby scat), there was no doubt that he had already found his vocal gift.  Not only was his singing notable, but Sawyer was quick to pick up melodies that he heard and also began to create his own melodies. 

While no one in his immediate family has ever pursued a career in music, there is certainly a great love for listening to and creating music.

Sawyer in 2010

Sawyer’s grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all show signs of being musically inclined or talented.  Sawyer’s own unique talents have blossomed in an encouraging and rich musical environment.  As he got a little older, he became self-conscious of his singing and would only sing in front of people in his immediate family, but no matter where he was or what he was doing; there was always a song  in his heart and on his lips. 

It wasn’t until he was 11 years old that he decided he might be ready to sing in front of others, and joined a local summer children’s choir.  The director of the choir was local accomplished singer-songwriter Katy Cole who is also an elementary school music teacher.  In addition to being enrolled in Katy’s choir, Sawyer began taking vocal lessons from her.  Katy believes Sawyer is a musical prodigy of sorts, and the singing seems to come naturally.  The only problem was Sawyer’s stage fright and shyness – he would sing so quietly, it was almost a whisper.  To get him to relax, Katy allowed him to sing down the hall where he couldn’t be seen.  After quite a while, Sawyer developed enough courage to show what he could do. Surprising everyone, Sawyer chose to perform a short solo during the choir recital. 

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Sebastian Janoski Receives National Spotlight and Shot at Broadway

“It’s not about age; it’s about the love of music that comes through no matter if your 13 or 30. I have just been fortunate to realize my gifts from God at an early time in my life”           Sebastian Janoski

While it has been less than a year since Sebastian’s introduction to RivenMaster.com, it seems like a lifetime.  Since Sebastian Janoski’s appearance on Americas Got Talent Season 7, his drive and determination to perform and have his music be heard by the masses has gotten even greater.  He of course loves to regularly perform locally for coffee houses, public events, local playhouses….but his drive has taken his act to a National Stage as well.

He has had a performing schedule that would make the most seasoned professional envious!  Almost immediately following the publication of his initial article, Sebastian had the honor of singing the National Anthem at an event for PA Governor Tom Corbett.  Governor Corbett was noticeably blown away with the strength maturity of Sebastian’s big voice!

It has been a whirlwind ride ever since.  Sebastian’s promotional efforts along with the strength and ever-growing following on his YouTube and other WebPages have gained him National Attention with Television shows such as ABC’s “The Katie Couric Show”.  Sebastian was chosen to appear on the show for a special segment entitled “One To Watch”.

Sebastian Janoski on Katie Couric

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Dalton Cyr To Record With Legendary Producer Paul Fox in L.A.

 

“Dalton is no flash in the pan but something to watch carefully!”                                                                                                                          Producer Paul Fox

One of the hottest upcoming teen singing stars on the scene, award winning singer/songwriter/ musician Dalton Cyr is headed for big things.

It’s only been seven months since Dalton released his debut 11-song LP album, “I’ll Be There”, but the 12 year old recording artist announced he’s already heading back into the recording studio.

Catching the attention of Paul Fox, who’s recognized as one of the most successful and creative producers in the music industry, Dalton will fly to L.A. and spend two weeks working with Paul Fox and recording new music this April.

Paul Fox has a vast number of production credits including REM, 10,000 Maniacs, Rod Stewart, Ziggy Marley, Phish, The Wallflowers, XTC, and many more.  Known for searching for the “next big thing”, Fox was introduced to Cyr through one of Cyr’s managers, Beth Broday, one of the original MTV producers, in November 2012. 

Dalton’s mom, Cindy Cyr, says,

“One of Dalton’s managers met Paul when he was on a speaking panel in Studio City, California.”

Dalton’s manager told Paul she had this 12 year old singer who was an incredible songwriter and a ‘real artist’ and asked if he’d take a look. The next thing we knew, Dalton was asked to record some ‘raw’ videos to send to Paul.”

Cindy says that Beth Broday then met with Fox where he told her he was very interested in working with Dalton and wanted to record some new songs.  

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