Tag: Florida

Rivenmaster Meets Allan Clelland Goddard and Connor Blackley in Florida

Over the last two weeks I did some amazing traveling from Michigan all the way down to Houston, Texas where I met two young bass players Tommy Freeman and Michael Thompson. (See Recent Article)

We left Texas and traveled the Gulf States of Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, stopping along the way to enjoy some sites.

Palm Trees In Baton Rouge
Palm Trees In Baton Rouge

We enjoyed a short visit to Baton Rouge touring a River Boat and then again in Orange Beach, Alabama visiting a friend. We were taken back by the beautiful area with a white sandy beach that lined the shoreline for miles.  I don’t think I have ever seen such beautiful white sand! While it was very warm and humid, it was well worth the stop to enjoy this area of the country!

Leaving Alabama I was soon sitting at the tip of Florida, trying to decide which way to go. Having several young artists who are regularly featured on my site residing in Florida, I quickly decided to go further south taking an 11 hour trip down to the Jacksonville and Orlando Area.

While I wish I would have had more time, and been able to see everyone I know in Florida, I was happy to be able to visit with two very talented young men and their families. Allan Clelland-Goddard, and Connor Timothy Blackley.

Rivmaster-Allan Clelland-Goddard
Rivmaster-Allan Clelland-Goddard

My first visit was to the home of Allan Clelland-Goddard where we were treated to a wonderful visit to their home and a backyard BBQ.  Not only was their home beautiful but the hospitality shown to me was incredible and will never be forgotten.

Visiting with Allan was especially enjoyable as we were able to sit down together in his living room and do an exclusive interview with him which we are happy to now share with all of you.

Continue reading “Rivenmaster Meets Allan Clelland Goddard and Connor Blackley in Florida”

Connor Blackley of Florida 2011 X-Factor Hopeful!

connor blackleyRecently I was overjoyed to hear that Connor Blackly of Florida was awarded a front of the line audition pass for Simon Cowell’s new Talent Show X-Factor which will air this fall on Fox.  Connor was first introduced on this blog more than a year and a half ago and his vocals have become even more pronounced and much deeper.  I have often toted that Connor would someday become a Country Star and he has just won an opportunity to possibly sing for America on this American Idol type show in front of a panel of judges.

Of course we don’t want to get too far ahead of the process as his audition for the show will not take place for another couple of weeks.  However this is one blogger that has more than his fingers crossed for this young artist.

I asked his Mother to present a blow by blow account of how this all came about and she sent me the following letter to share with all of you.

“I was watching TV when I saw on Fox 30 News (a Jacksonville station), that they were having a “X-Factor Front of the Line Pass Contest“. They were conducting  a contest at Latitude 30 (a family type club, w/ a bowling alley, arcade, restaurant, comedy/music theater), and they were going to pick 2 acts to win an all expense paid trip to Dallas for the actual X-Factor auditions, providing them with front of the line passes.

 

Connor Blackley & Cortnie Frazier

Connor had told me weeks earlier that he wanted to audition for the X-Factor, but the closest one to us, was the Miami audition, and besides the 6 hour drive on a weekday, Connor was previously committed to another engagement, so it didn’t happen. When I told him about the contest, he was very psyched, and said that he wanted to audition with his duet partner, Cortnie Frazier (age 12). I called Cortnie’s grandmother, Lawana, and she said that Cortnie would love to audition with Connor. So we coordinated outfits and the kids decided on the stage name of “C Squared” since their
names both start with “C”. Continue reading “Connor Blackley of Florida 2011 X-Factor Hopeful!”