Sam Verlinden Parachute Performing Perfection!

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Sam Verlinden recently attended and performed in the Parachute Festival held in Hamilton, New Zealand on Jan 28th – 31st.  Not only did Sam and his good friend Hannah Elley capture the attention of the crowd but also captured:
Best Debut Artist of Parachute 2011
which awarded them a command performance on the main stage the last day of the event.

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Recently, I wrote to Sam and asked him to present us with a behind the scene, blow by blow summary of this year’s festival. He graciously sent me the following report which exceeded last year’s experience in many wonderful ways!

 

 

 

Our 2011 Parachute Adventure by: Sam Verlinden

Our Parachute experience actually started back in Jan 2010 when we attended our very first Parachute. Having heard so much about it over the years we decided to sign up for the rock fest weekend. Traveling with my good friend Hannah and her family, we camped out in tents, caravans, airbeds, and the works.  It was so awesome; we caught the bug to do it again!

 

Hannah and I both entered “Parachute Got Talent” for some fun. I was happy to get through to the final where I placed runner up.  Following this, I couldn’t walk down the street without being hugged or high-fived or asked for an autograph – it was great!!

 

samncrowdAnyway, later that year as we watched the Parachute Website start to populate with plans for the 2011 event, we decided to audition for the Best Debut Artist stage.  We pulled together a marketing plan and sent it through.  To our delight we were accepted and invited to perform a 30 minute set on the Debut Artist Stage, “Apollo”.

Continue reading “Sam Verlinden Parachute Performing Perfection!”

Connor Blackley Wining Vocalist and Entertainer!

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Connor Blackley

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T hirteen year old Connor Blackley from Florida, USA, finished last year with high honors capturing three awards at the Orange Blossom Country Music Association competition.  The International (OBCMAI) competition is held each year in the fall and 2010 proved to be a banner year for Connor.

Connor was awarded first place for Male Vocalist and Male Entertainer of the Year in New Country (age 13 to 17), and also captured first place for mixed duet New Country with his friend Cortnie Frazier (age 12).   With these wins under his belt he is automatically eligible to compete this coming March in the North American Country Music Association, International (NACMAI) in Pigeon Forge, TN.

CONGRATULATIONS CONNOR!

There has never been a doubt in my mind that Connor Blackley is a winner! Since the first time I watched this young man perform I knew he had the it factor!  His natural talent and ability to connect with his audience, regardless of size is inspirational. Connor not only continues to have a good voice but is a real crowd-pleaser. Continue reading “Connor Blackley Wining Vocalist and Entertainer!”