In 1997 NASA’s Path-finder successfully landed on Mars! But something else happened that year that has star written all over it!By Five years-old, he was singing around the house non-stop,
whether he was playing with his trucks or doing his homework. Conner’s Mom signed him up for their church’s children’s choir where he really enjoyed singing group numbers. At age 6, he was given a solo for the Church Easter program, for which he received a huge applause. That was all it took for Connor, from then on was hooked.
When Connor was eight years old Connor began voice training and was entered into his first talent show on a big stage.
While he did not win, he told his Mom “This is what I want to do!”
Connor has had a music MySpace since November of 2007, which his Mother set up for family and friends to watch Connor’s performances and listen to his recordings. In April of this past year, he was contacted by Cirque du Soleil’s senior talent scout and was asked to audition for a role in their new show “Viva Elvis†in Las Vegas. Connor got the part (along with another boy) so he signed with the company, and in August his family moved to Las Vegas. Rehearsals began in September, and though it meant long hours and sometimes a lot of waiting, Connor LOVED it. He and the other boy, were tutored in the mornings by a Cirque provided instructor and in the afternoon or evenings, they would have rehearsal at the theater. “It was amazing”, Mrs. Blackley says,” working with the directors and the entire cast. Connor learned so much. Unfortunately, the show was in the creative process and it ended up going in a different direction, so Connor’s roles and the role of 3 other’s were written out of the show. We were so disappointed, but the director and creative director made sure that Connor understood that it had nothing to do with the job he did for them. They told him they were very impressed with his talent and professionalism, and hoped to work with him again. Connor misses Vegas, but he is thrilled that he got to have the experience that he did.”
On a personal note. Connor’s birthday is April 28th, 1997. He loves all kinds of music, including Jazz, Christian, Classic Rock, but his favorite genre is Country. He attends LaVilla School of the Arts (in the vocal arts area) and is in honor courses. He loves to play his Xbox 360, and hang out with his friends. Connor is currently learning to play the guitar, and is attempting song writing. He has a black belt in Taekwondo and played soccer for 6 years. He played Tiny Tim in the Orange Park Community Theater 2 years in a row, 2005 and 2006. And played the lead role of Thomas O’Malley in Ridgeview High School’s Summer Theater production of Aristocats in August 2007.
“Keep shining Connor, we will all stand with our mouth open looking up at the big stages that you soon will be treading on watching your smoke trail as you blow by all the Country artists on your way to the Grammy Awards!”Rivenmaster
For some reason unbeknown to anyone, Soundcheck has pushed out the awarding of the prize monies for the last contest. Their a many who are not real happy about having to wait to hear the results of what to some of us should be so obvious. I can only say that patience is not a strong virtue of a fan who has been voting for so long and unfair to all who competed in this particular contest. However not to worry! It’s Soundcheck that is now in their own spotlight to do as they have promised.