Tag: treble

Sam Verlinden Showman, Singer, Sportsman!

Sam is probably one of the most well rounded teenagers that I know. He is so multi-talented that I’m not sure how everyone can keep up to all the adventures taking place in his young life!

samverlinden2010
Sam Verlinden

Sam is probably one of the most well rounded teenagers that I know.  He is so multi-talented that I’m not sure how everyone can keep up to all the adventures taking place in his young life!

When I was 12 the most I had going was school, paper-route, marching band, my citizens band radio hobby, and hanging out with the guys!  Sam on the other hand not only finds time to juggle his school work, hobbies, outdoor activities, family, and friends, but adds to this at least two big stage musical or dramatic productions, practicing with his band, busking on almost a weekly basis, singing performances, special gig fundraisers and charity events, singing with his good friend Hannah, recording studio sessions, countless yearly repeat performances and last but not least his passion for rugby!  Whew!  Now I’m tired, how about you?

Sam has an extraordinary ability to adapt to any challenge giving him like his latest role for Peter Pan where he needed to learn how to Waltz.  Now how many of you guys out there can do that?   With the Peter Pan rehearsals in full swing for next month’s production Sam is also rehearsing for yet another role at the same time.  This week marked the beginning of rehearsals for Mac-Beth and he is very excited about his small but important role.  I guess you could say this role will be the death of Sam!  LOL!

All joking aside Sam is not just one or two dimensional but you could say he is universal.  An all star in just about every way!  We know Sam will be knocking them dead on both the stage and with his singing career and I believe with all my heart that some day he will fulfill his dreams of playing rugby for a professional team.  I’m saving my money Sam; because I want to be there the day you sing your National Anthem and kick off the ball for your team.  I just hope you have the time to do all those autographs of records, pictures, rugby balls, and tee-shirts!

“Take care of not only your voice but your entire being because you will need it to accomplish the task ahead!  Your one fantastic Showman, Singer, Sportsman!”

…………………………………………………………..Rivenmaster

“Connor Blackley Born to Perform”

What can I say? Some kids were born to perform and Connor Blackley is one of those kids or should I say teens. Connor who will turn 13 at the end of this month has been dazzling crowds of upwards to 4,000 people in his home state of Florida!

When I was a youngster, the adults of my life would ask me “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I don’t remember having a specific answer for that question, as many things looked appealing at different ages.

Connor Blackley
Connor Blackley

Connor Blackley however, is quite a different story!  If his first cries upon birth could have been interpreted it would most likely have been “I Want To Sing” . Connor, who will become a teenager at the end of this month has been a busy young man lately! Performing and competing in his home state of Florida thrilling record crowds to upwards of 4,000 people.  The biggest stage I ever stood on was only about 1,500 but this kid doesn’t seem to be phased by the experience.  He just keeps belting out the songs to the pleasure of the large audience.   I asked Conner if he ever get’s nervous and he replied “ I don’t really get nervous, but if I start to get a little nervous before hand, it goes away once I’m up on stage.”

gateradConnor most recently was asked by Gator Country WGNE to open their Jacksonville Landing 99.9’s Spring Concert Series by singing the National Anthem.  This years concert series opened with a David Nail concert. Connor performed at Jacksonville Landing last year as well and has become a real favorite of the crowd of country fans.



In addition to this performance Connor recently competed on April 6th in the Clay County Fair Talent competition.  While he did not capture the win for that contest he was a definite favorite of many who attended.

On a much larger note Conner will be performing at the Suwannee River Music Jam on April 24th, as part of the opening entertainment for the Zac Brown Band, John Michael Montgomery and Colt Ford.  Other performers to perform at the jam will also include Travis Tritt, Kansas, LoCash Cowboys, Jason Michael Carroll, Justin Mooore, Mountain Heart, David Cooler and Josh Thompson!  Connor will be gracing the stage with some of the finest country performers that this country has to offer which is quite an honor for a 13 year old boy!  Way to go Connor!

I also need to report that Connor auditioned for and was accepted into the Chamber Chorus (LaVilla School of the Arts advanced chorus) and will be traveling to Greece with them next year.

This Summer Connor will also be singing at the Jacksonville Summer jazz festival in August in front of over 4000 people.

What can I say? Some kids were just born to perform and Connor Blackley is one of those kids!  Or should I say Teens!

Congratulations on the fine performances Connor and we hope that your 13th birthday on the 28th is the best ever!