This tour was about to end with the the student talent show. It took place at the Falany Performing Arts Center. The acoustics of that place was awesome. The performers were magnificent. Unfortunately, the auditorium was not filled to capacity because there was an accident on Georgia Hwy 140 which caused traffic to be backed off and eventually, blocked off (drives had to take alternate routes). The organizers tried to wait it out, hoping traffic would improve and that people would eventually get here. But it didn't and the show started at about 7:30 p.m. from the noted 7 p.m. start.
I sat with Mr. McGarrity in the middle row upfront but he wasn't sitting in his chair for long. He was moving around and about, taking pictures up close while in action with the digital. Every time he got up, the seat would flap and flutter with that sound. Man, I thought some of the performers were going to get distracted but to their credit, they were professional. There were three judges looking in, one being my former counselor, Dr. Beth Russell. She sat in the front row.
Now the talents. You had a singing duet between the beauty girl and gawky, shy boy. It was decent and both put the effort and the work in but the girl seemed more comfortable and the guy kind of leaned toward her for support. He was too timid to look at her when they finished the song but the girl wasn't (Whats this story about the princess and the frog). Beauty girl dominated. Next was the dancing duo who performed a big band jazz tune. The MC was supposed to perform with this girl but he got hurt so he says. Eventually, another guy performed with her. I have to say this dude was awesome and fluid. He performed without thinking, spontaneously and energetically. On the other hand, dancing girl was watching her steps and tried to make sure that she didn't step on his. She didn't seem comfortable. However at the end, they finished off well.
Next you had a solo dancer and a singer. The dancer did a hop-hop routine which I thought was the best of the dance routines but unfortunately she kept looking up toward the audio booth instead of the audience. It was as if she was in a zone and didn't want to lose her groove that would derail her. She was cute too with that black outfit but didn't get much applause, though. After intermission, this female singer came in and sang "My Redeemer" which really made my feet tap. She did pitch off (her voice) here and there. However, I thought up to this point, she was the best performer because she seemed calm, looked to the audience, and performed the song well.
Piano man came. He wrote his own song but was visibly very nervous. He couldn't even hit the piano. He played "Chop Sticks" for laughs and said no, he didn't write the song. I think that act ticked the judges off. However, he played an incredible piece but I was holding my breath because it looked he was going to fall off that piano stool. He sat very awkwardly in a fetal position, bending low and his hands barely reaching the keys. It felt like an figure skating routine. He had to hit the routine perfectly or he was going to fall. When he finished, he received the most thunderous applause. Well, deserved.
The last dancer wore this costume where a mask cover one side of the eye and her cheek. Her clothes were risque and it was further enhanced by starting the routine with her back turned to the audience who gave a loud thunderous scream. She hit the routine confidently, played the audience like she was looking at everyone, and presentation was excellent. However, it was very short and kind of abrupt. You wanted more. It was kind of like that song by Shakira good but short.
When the judges presented their votes to the MC, the last dance won which drew surprise from everyone including me but remembering my experience as a judge, I wasn't surprised. Piano man's early nerves cost him but he got second. Third place to me was bull, the singing duet got it and I thought it should have been the solo-singer. But beauty did a great job and should take all the money from awkward, shy boy. It was like a doubles team of the Williams sisters at this year's U.S. Open: Serena made all the plays and Venus chipped in here and there. Mr. McGarrity thought they should have had awards from 5th place and on. I went up to "Redeemer" girl and told her that she did a great job and deserved to win. She was somewhat upset but very thankful for the compliment.
After the excitement, I took Mr. McGarrity to his car. He wondered how come they haven't put a motel in this area yet? He wanted to stay one more day but would have to go to Canton to stay at a motel and leave. He was bit frightened of being by solo at this time of the night. I was very gracious for his friendship. Without him, I wouldn't have this kinship feeling. I left town on a detour route back home. What a one day vacation, filled with warm and fuzzy memories of Reinhardt.
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