Capitol Success

Hey everyone. By now a lot of you have read the results of the story I'm about to share. I'm referring to the night I spent as a participant in the Semi-Finals of the SOKY's Got Talent competition. The event was held at the Capitol Arts Theater on the square in Bowling Green, KY. 

As you may already know, almost no one can tell a longer story than me. There are so many details about that night I will always remember.  

But for the sake of keeping your attention I'm only going to share those that directly relate to my time on stage. 

After attending the mid afternoon sound check, I returned to the theater at 6 PM, an hour before the show started.

Most of the evening was spent waiting in the the Capitol's "green room". It was about a 10x30 ft room painted a shade of yellow that reminded me of a 1950s kitchen. 

There were chairs set up along one side and about a dozen around two 6 ft long tables in the center. Off the left side of the room was a small dressing room and the men's bathroom. The ladies room was on the other side. 

Although I was calm and quiet most of that time (I calmed my nerves by listening to the broadcast of Yankees/Red Sox game on my phone) the room was a beehive of activity. The 19 other acts were either quietly rehearsing, talking to each other or being ushered up onto the stage. 

My wife had come to the show by herself and I text with her a bit before it all started. 

I was lucky enough to be the 5th act to go on stage. There were only 7 entries in my age group of 36 or older, which made up the majority of the first half of the show. 

When I got to the wings of the stage I was a little nervous but very focused. 

The first advantage I had was that the lady before me wasn't not one of the best singers in the competition. 

Once out on stage, because of the lights I couldn't see beyond the first couple of rows. 

I got the audience involved, right away, by having them help me call Cecil out of his shell. I started with a joke that's always gotten a laugh. It worked. Those two things helped me realize that the audience was with me. 
Here's a pic of me on stage. Because of the lighting, the quality is not that great but it is me. 

That first laugh helped me relax and really get into the "Just have fun" mode. 

A new joke got another laugh and soon it was time to start singing. By then I really was having fun. 

As Cecil had requested, the crowd clapped along for most of the song. By the time I was done with that last long note they were all with me. As applause accompanied my exit, I realized that I had made an impression. 

Pleased with my performance, I soon realized that the uniqueness of my act would help me stand out in the judges' minds. 

It was upbeat and light hearted. Compared to most of the others in my group who sang relatively slow songs, I was memorable.  

While waiting for the rest of the acts to do their thing on stage, I posted this picture on Facebook. 

After a little more than another 90 minutes in the green room, it was time to return to the wings for the announcement of the acts who would make the finals. 

Without knowing for sure just how many acts would advance, I was very nervous while waiting. When the names of two other acts were announced, I was sure I'd missed out. But then I heard my name called. I proudly walked out on the stage. I was a SOKY's GT finalist. 

I'm not a very demonstrative person so I didn't jump for joy or anything but all the while I stood there on stage I couldn't help but smile proudly. 

There were 7 other finalists announced after me bringing the total act advancing from the night, to 10. It was a lot more than I thought there would be. But that didn't matter. I had made it to the next level. I was going to get to perform on the SKYPAC stage. 

After the finalists and all the other contestants posed for pictures, the show was over. 

I retrieved Cecil from the wings and stepped off the stage. I met up with Paula who was still standing near her seat. She congratulated me with a hug. As we walked up the aisle, several other exiting audience members told me how much they enjoyed my performance as well. 
It was a very special moment for me. I was on top of the world.

We picked up a pizza for supper and headed home. 

Paula posted the news of my success on Facebook and I got a lot of congratulations. Thanks to all those who sent kind words.

So now, I am one of 20 finalist and will perform once again on Saturday August 24th, 7PM at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center. 

I've got 3 weeks to come up with a couple new jokes and get better at singing my song.  

For those who live in the area, I invite all my family and friends to come support me in the finals.
Tickets will be on sale soon. Check here to get yours. 
SOKY's Got Talent Website

I'm not sure if I'm going to win but I'll do my best. See you there. 

  

  






Thank you for all your congratulations and best wishes.