Weekend Report: Spirit Groove and PIMP (Praise Is My Purpose)

All I can say is, “Wow!”

I really enjoyed SG and PIMP (Praise Is My Purpose) this weekend.
Let’s see… what stood out the most for me?

From SG, there are two things: Majesty Productions and a young lady named Karen (I didn’t get her last name). At any rate, Majesty Productions is putting on a production, “Ain’t No Joy in Pain”. They gave us a glimpse of the play by performing two scenes. The performances were pretty good. I’m sure in the actual theatre (Victory Grill is not that kind of place) that the performances will look and sound better. This seems like a play that will be worth attending. And then there was Karen… Karen is a short little thing (she had to be 5′ or under) with a voice to blow the roof off. If that Karen is reading this, please tell me one thing: what was with the hat?? Karen had this hat that covered her eyes; I know she was sporting the cuteness and all, but she had to raise her head to see where she was going! You know what I mean… she had to lean her head back to clear her line of sight! Karen, you’re beautiful; you don’t have to hide your eyes! Now SG is all about sharing talent; it is not a competition. However, I will tell you this: she was the best singer of the night. She has a fantastic voice. Now for me to say that is significant because I have a discriminating ear (and who doesn’t, expect for the tone deaf? ha!) That girl… er… woman can sing, and has a voice that could rival the so-called professionals.

From PIMP, I learned SaulPaul’s real name! Ha! OK, that’s not the most significant thing. However, SaulPaul put together this video and performed to it. The video was well-produced. Nice job, SP. SaulPaul has a movie coming out. Again, check out his site for Tower to Tower, his movie about his life story. His testimony of transformation is one that will keep your attention and touch your soul. SP was a film student at UT (that’s Texas, not Tennessee), so I’m guessing he has got an eye for the dramatic and knows how to tell a good story visually. The film should be interesting.

I did manage to perform at both. Special thanks to Tim (SG) and David (PIMP) for allowing me to perform. I was surprised by David’s request for me to perform. I pretty much came into PIMP to chill and watch others share their talents. I was not on the roster of scheduled performers, so I was not expecting to be behind the mic/on the stage. David, thanks for the honor of allowing me to close the show. Again for SG, I performed “For All the Right Reasons”, “Searching”, and “Crown Him” (my twist on the classic Christian hymn). For PIMP, David requested that I perform “A Love Crucified”. From SG, I have to admit I may have been a bit too exuberant on “Crown Him”! Good thing there wasn’t a video camera! Hey, what can I say… it’s a worship piece and I was into it.

As a closing thought, I’m really starting to see my growth as a artist/performer. Though I’ve been writing for the longest time, it really wasn’t until this year that I did any public performing of my pieces. I’ve been a public speaker for all of my life, so I didn’t have stage fright for the most part. Yet, I had to learn quickly to start memorizing my pieces, because it’s hard to put your all into a piece when you’ve got paper in your hand. I’ve learned a lot about using my voice more dramatically, and I’ve learned more about “stepping into the moment” (that is, experiencing the piece afresh each time). I’m looking forward to moving into other, tougher venues (entering slam competitions), though I will continue to support SG and PIMP in whatever capacity they desire. Again, thanks to Tim, David, Special K, Lady Light, and The Messenger for giving me the chance to spit behind the mic and grow up fast.