Unplugged View
By Aaron Rowan
Two months ago I was invited to join the panel of judges for the annual ‘Roosevelt’s Got Talent’ competition, held at Roosevelt Junior High. International opera performers Roy Stevens and Annalisa Winberg oversee this contest, and mentor students as they share their gifts of song, dance and more. It was quite an interesting experience to help with the selection of the prize winners. One of the grand prize awards went to a young lady named Kalea Jackson, after her rendition of “How Far I’ll Go” from ‘Moana.’
For the past five years Kalea has been performing with the Davis High Drama Club, Modesto Performing Arts, and Gallo Center Repertory Company. After hearing her perform for the first time, I knew I was going to invite her to open a ‘Music At The GMC’ concert. You’ll get the chance to hear what this gal can do on Saturday May 20, at 7:30 PM in the Gottschalk Music Center’s recital hall at 1502 E St. This small DIY space has seen numerous evenings with talent worthy of the Gallo Center stage. It’s one of the few places around town where you can enjoy a listening-room concert experience free from the noise and distractions found in the bar/restaurant music scene.
Headlining the night is local Townsend Opera alum Liisa Dávila. As a young, award-winning soprano, Liisa is quickly gaining recognition as a highly sought-after entertainer who delights her audiences with riveting performances. A winner of multiple competitions, Liisa is a recent San Francisco District winner and a Western Regional Finalist for the Metropolitan National Council Auditions and the prestigious West Bay Opera’s Maria and Ben Holt Scholarship.
Accompanied by pianist Monica Johnson, Liisa will share a program of musical theatre favorites for a light-hearted night of fun. Doors for the evening will open at 7 PM, and music will kick off at 7:30 with a few numbers by Kalea. We might just enjoy a special guest or two as well. Admission for the Music At The GMC series is $15 general, and free for kids 12 and younger. We’re limited to about 40 seats in this intimate space so be sure to call 209-543-5306 or email modestounplugged@yahoo.com<mailto:modestounplugged@yahoo.com> to RSVP. Thanks to my friend (and fellow talent judge) Chris Murphy and the View for their continuing support of this wonderful series! You can visit www.modestounplugged.com for more upcoming showcases.
