Annette Seranade @ Focus Art Community 28/5/21

Annette Seranade sings live @ Focus Art Community

In the USA, we have a holiday coming up on May 31 called Memorial Day. This is the day we memorialize and honor our soldiers who battled in war and gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in order that we may enjoy the luxury of freedoms that other countries do not possess. I cannot even imagine the pain and grief that a family experiences when a spouse, child, parent, other relative or friend encounters when their loved one is killed in battle. I (we) am/are deeply appreciative of our fallen heroes and forever grateful for making this country a beautiful place to live.

This past Friday evening, I had the pleasure of attending a photo contest at a venue called the Focus Art Community owned by Angela Thespian-Ireland and Patrick Thespian-Ireland. They also own the Focus Magazine and Art Galleries which is enjoyed by many types of artists especially photographers. Cesar Lighthouse is a major part of the Focus Magazine team and runs all the advertising and events. The theme for May’s photo affair centered around the military. Photos submitted were asked to “capture a military situation expressing human experience from an individual’s perspective with emotions like pride, love, loss, and even silliness.” The artwork was amazing and captured the heart and soul of each artist. These masterpieces are still on view in the plaza of the venue.

Adding to this wonderful photo festival was the lovely SL singer Annette Seranade, also known as Annette Westbrook. Annette has a beautiful, spirited voice that captivated me from the beginning to the end. This lady has style, she has grace, and her voice exemplifies all that her name (Serenade) encompasses! She has an amazingly extensive song list that is sure to please even the hard to please! Annette began her set with two rock songs by KT Tunstall, “Suddenly I See and Big Black Horse in a Cherry Tree”. As many of you know, country is my favorite, and I was so delighted to hear her sing “Broken Road and What Hurts the Most” by Rascal Flatts. Next up was my request, Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone” with “Man in the Mirror” to follow. Now you know a singer is more than fantastic when their voice can choke you up. Annette’s rendition of “You Are Not Alone” found both Neo and I getting emotional and grabbing at the tissue box. “You are not alone; I am here with you. Though you’re far away, I am here to stay.” How many can relate to those lyrics? Many of us have special friends here, but even if you don’t, SL can chase those lonely blues away 24/7 with a jump onto a venue, listening to a singer like Annette and chatting with other fans.

Annette continued her “double shot” (which I learned is when a singer sings a song then follows with another song by the same artist) with “You are the Reason and Dancing on My Own” by Calum Scott. After melting my heart with Norah Jones’s “Come Away with Me”, Annette turned up the party with “I love the night life” by Alicia Bridges, “Last Dance” by Donna Summer and “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor. All powerful tunes sung by female singers and Annette positioned herself right on the top of the ladder with these ladies. My thoughts then drifted away to the days of halter tops, bell bottom pants and platform shoes dancing at the local disco!! Did I actually wear that stuff?? OMG YES! The pictures are deeply hidden away in a locked box!! LOL

Finishing the evening, Annette displayed her dynamic voice with Air Supply’s “Making Love Out of Nothing At All”. Crazy about that song!!

Annette has a voice that is breath taking while singing any genre of song style, and her in between song banter is so refreshing and sweet. If you’re looking for an evening with a variety of numbers, Annette is your gal. Loved your show Annette and loved how your spouse David was in the audience showing you support! What a great night!

Thank you, Annette, and the Focus team for honoring our troops this weekend with a marvelous festival. While we all are picnicking and visiting friends this weekend, let’s take a pause to remember and pray our fallen soldiers and their families for giving us the privileges we have in our beautiful country today.