Friday, May 29: 3rd Annual Evening of Performance

You can’t beat two hours of free entertainment! The City of Paducah and the Paducah Human Rights Commission (PHRC) offer just that this Friday, May 29, at the Carson Center. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the performance at 7 p.m.

The 3rd Annual Evening of Performance is designed to celebrate the city’s diversity and provide the PHRC with an opportunity to further educate citizens about the services that the commission offers.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase our local and diverse talent,” says Human Rights Commissioner Bernice Belt, the event’s chairperson. “This is an excellent time for everyone in the community to come to our beautiful performing arts center and celebrate what our citizens have to offer.”

Friday’s entertainment showcases 17 acts, including three featured finalists from the recent America’s Got Talent competition:

Miki Abraham
A natural entertainer since the age of 3, Miki Abraham writes music, sings, plays guitar and is now featured in the Market House Theatre’s Wizard of Oz starting June 4. She made it to Chicago in the America’s Got Talent competition, and Simon Cowell viewed her tape! Abraham has won numerous competitions and often sings with her dad, Richard, who’ll also be singing tonight.

Richard Abraham
Everyone knows the amazing voice of Commissioner Richard Abraham. He’ll perform a patriotic piece this evening!

 

 

Susan Andrey
Also known SuSu the Clown, Susan Andrey has been a mime for seven years and is also a community advocate who works with children from high-risk backgrounds. “Most of my studies have been in theatre dance and social work,” Andrey says. “That led to the work I do as a performing artist today.” Tonight, she’ll offer poetry and dance.

Angels of Praise
This praise and worship dance group, from First Missionary Baptist Church in Metropolis, consists of girls 12-21 years old. “Each time we do a new dance, we continue to grow,” says Ilisha Fitzgerald, who practices with the group each weekend. “We perform at our church and other churches. We love making people proud.”

 

Brock Bertling
Brock Bertling started his musical journey at the age of 14 picking melodies out by ear and playing them on the piano. His most recent achievements include performing at the Beverly Hills Hotel, playing for crowds in the Hamptons and in New York City and winning a tri-state talent competition to audition for America’s Got Talent. He’s a regular performer at the Hideout Restaurant in Marion, Ill.

Nicolas Cofield
Just 10 years old, Nicolas Cofield took right to the piano just four years ago and is already a shining star. He played three pieces perfectly during his very first lesson and now plays at churches, various organizations and even with the Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Philharmonic from time to time. “He practices an hour to an hour and a half each day,” says dad Harley Cofield. “Sometimes we hear him at 2 or 3 in the morning when he can’t sleep!” 

Kim French
Back from an eight-year sabbatical, Kim French still performs with the soul of a rocker. She intertwines her original songs from past and present and some rock classic favorites with contemporary Christian classics and standard hymns. Kim’s message: With positive uplifting truth and love, we don’t have to be victims — we can be victors.

Edward Loving 
Poet Edward (Da’ Truth) Loving entertains with his spoken word.

 

 

Michael Marlar
Vocalist Michael Marlar has enjoyed singing gospel music all his life. “I enjoy uplifting the Lord,” he says. “Gospel music is uplifting — real uplifting.” On Friday, he’ll uplift us with Sweeter As the Days Go By.

 

 

Mt. Zion Baptist Church Praise Choir
Mt. Zion Baptist Church Praise Choir members share their energy and enthusiasm as they minister the Good Word.

 

 

Ninth Street Tabernacle Ministries Flag Ministry
This group of women uses flags and music as their expressive art as they minister at every opportunity. “We perform at anniversaries and other special events,” says Nicole Prather. “We like to look out into the audience and see people receiving what we’re doing. It’s nice to be able to touch somebody.”

 

Sarah Parsons
Beautiful Sarah Parsons began writing poetry in 1985 and is now working on her third book. “I don’t hold things in — I write about them, good or bad, in the form of poems,” she says. “My first poem was a love letter. And it just went on from there. I write what God gives me.”

 

Kevin Skinner
Another America’s Got Talent competitor, Kevin Skinner performs tonight, as well!

The Blood Brothers of Paducah
Patrick Saddler, Roderick Thomas, Joseph Horton III and Alex Walton began performing together in 2004 as a surprise to Pastor Anthony E. Walton. The surprise was such a success, that they’ve continued to perform and to firmly stand on the principle: Practice what you preach. Their dream is to spread their message all over the world and allow the light of Jesus Christ to be seen by the world!

The Grace Notes
These Southern Gospel/Bluegrass singers have performed together for the past year. Amy Perdue, Jami Diprete, Janet Bloomingburg and Laurie Whitnel make up the group, write their own songs and play old-time favorites, as well. “Singing is important to each of us individually, and we have our own unique talents,” Whitnel says. “But when you put us together, we just blend. Not just our harmony but also our personalities. Now we’re more like sisters.” 

Readers Theatre: Washington Street Baptist Church
The Readers Theatre of Washington Street Baptist Church performs dramatic readings at Washington Street and throughout the community. “Our purpose is to address, from a Biblical standpoint, God’s grace and expectations for our lives,” says Rev. Dr. Bernice Belt. “There’s no particular gender, age, race, ethnicity or denomination — it’s just about God’s grace and expectations of us.”

Zerdali Dance Troupe
This group fuses belly dance with Middle Eastern dance moves. The group, led by Margarita Hyde, holds classes and practices at the Paducah Parks Department and often performs throughout the city.

---