Background Singer/ Artist Workshop by Crissy Collins (Background Singer for Beyonce)

I'm trying to get better at sharing the things that are going on in the city of Atlanta, guests on When We Speak, as well as myself.  So I'm covering all three; by talking about what happened on July 11th.  As many of you know, I've had the pleasure of being acquainted with a background singer who has sang with some of the biggest names in entertainment....Crissy Collins!!!   She is a past guest and huge supporter of my show When We Speak.

If that name doesn't ring a bell to you, then you obviously aren't a Beyonce or Tyler Perry fan!!  And you definitely need to check out this interview with her on When We Speak!!!

Crissy Collins has been a background singer for Beyonce for more than 10 plus years and has acted in several Tyler Perry plays!  And that's not all!  She has sang with Kelly Price, Monica, Luther Vandross, and many others.  Recently, I saw pics with Crissy and R. Kelly in the studio, as well as,  of Crissy with Fantasia!!!! I wonder what they are cooking up!?!?   CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT!!!

BACK TO THE BLOG!
Well, the reason for today's blog is..... I want to tell you about the Background Vocalist/Artist Workshop that Crissy conducted on July 11th in Atlanta, Georgia.  Crissy is a very busy lady and when she comes home to Atlanta, she's usually back out on the road in a few days, so for her to choose to do a workshop in Atlanta was #SuperAwesome!!! And for her to personally invite me to assist her for her first workshop was #MoreSuperAwesome !!!

Not only was this an awesome idea, it was also a heart felt action by Crissy Collins.  During the workshop she shared lots of information and music industry stories.  She also shared her heart's desire to help people that are want to get into the entertainment industry.  (That's what my show, When We Speak, is all about so of course, I was sold when she said that!  By the way, if you haven't seen my show, please go and check it out: WATCH WHEN WE SPEAK)

During the workshop, Crissy covered things like microphone technique, image, marketing, headshots, press kits, selecting audition songs, how to get a gig, promotions, finances, networking, and much more.
In addition, there were two guest speakers that joined the discussion:  Eboni Stephans of ESMV Creative Arts Agency and DJ Blak Magic.
Now of course I can't tell you all the details of the workshop!
ONE.....I was working!
TWO... I'll hoping to see you at the next!!!
However, I will say, that I got a chance to speak with all the attendees of the workshop before it was over and all of them were well pleased with the outcome and provided great feedback for the next one!!!  Hope to see YOU at the next one!!!!

SPECIAL THANKS FROM CRISSY COLLINS:

@CrissyCollins presents "Date Night" in #ATL

I just wanted to share an event with you that you don't want to miss....If you are in Atlanta, come out and enjoy Crissy Collins at Acoustix Jazz Restaurant and Lounge. She will be there on September 12th and 26th.

If you don't know who Crissy Collins is; she currently sings background vocals for superstar Beyonce. She has also acted in Tyler Perry productions such as Madea's Big Happy Family and Madea Goes To Jail.




Here are a few clips of Crissy Collins:

Performing at Kat's Cafe in #Atlanta

I went to another event on a week night. Working my 9-5 and going out during the week usually doesn’t work well! But because it was a Crissy Collins event, I attended. I think it goes without explaining that I enjoy watching Crissy perform. This is my third event that I’ve had the opportunity to hear her sing live but this time was a little different. This time she also had three other artists join her. It was called “It’s All About You”.

So what happened is….. She gave other artists an opportunity to perform along with her, to help them along their musical journey. I love that because I’m all about us (Entertainers) helping one another! I believe that when we plant a seed in someone’s life, that seed will grow and not only will they be able to eat of the fruit but you will also.

To my understanding she will periodically have shows with this similar format. I can’t really remember but I think she also said that she is going to be doing some things directed towards artist development. (DON’T QUOTE ME ON THAT BECAUSE I’M NOT SURE).

SO NOW IT’S TIME TO TALK ABOUT THE SHOW
Like always, Crissy was great but we’ll get to that! The show took place at Kat’s Café in Atlanta. (I’m not sure if it will always be there but that’s where it was that night.) We arrived at Kat’s Café and was greeted at the door by Crissy’s mother and aunt. (I recognized Crissy’s mother because the choir I sing with sang at her mother’s anniversary celebration and I was familiar with who her aunt is because Crissy pointed her out at the last show). ANY HOW! After we were greeted at the door and had paid for entry, we were escorted to a table. I debated where I wanted to sit because I wanted to sit at a table that was unproblematic for me to get footage of the show. I didn’t want to sit somewhere that would block the view of others.
Finally, we decided on a place to sit. We sat down, conversed amongst ourselves, ordered drinks, and waited for the show to begin. Since there were only two of us at our table of four, a male and female were later placed at the table. This wasn’t a problem for us because I enjoy meeting new people and they seemed to be cool.. Besides, most of the night, my friend and I would be getting footage.
The announcer begins to thank everyone for coming and introduces the first artist by the name of Sasha. (I really wish I had spoken with her because I’m trying to find out who she is.)

Sasha is handed the microphone. She looks very elegant and innocent. Since I wasn’t familiar with who she was, I watched her every move and listened to every note! (Not to judge her, but to give her my undivided attention. One thing I don’t like; people talking loudly at a performance and not paying attention to the performer. )

The music starts and Sasha begins to sing the lyrics to Loving You by Minnie Riperton. (Wow, she’s a brave soul!) Everyone remembers that Minnie sings a very high note during this song so I was wondering what Sasha would do. Would she sing the note as high as Minnie Riperton or would she do something creative when that part comes? Sasha is definitely in the soprano vocal range so it seems that she should be able to hit the note but I wasn’t sure……….Sure enough, she hit the note with ease! It appeared to be effortless and the crowd responded with a cheer and applause. She only sang one song but that one song was good enough. She gave us “just enough” to want to hear more. Great job Sasha.


Next, it was announced that Crissy would be coming out. (You know I have to save that part for last!)

CLEVELAND JONES

Next up was Cleveland Jones. Like Sasha, I wasn’t familiar with him but prior to the show I listened to a couple of his songs online.  Cleveland Jones is handed the mic and his music begins to play. When I heard him online he seemed to sound like a soul singer with a gospel influence. (It’s not uncommon for singers to have this combination because most of us started singing in the church.) Cleveland sang an original song. I’m not sure of the title of the song. I’m guessing it’s probably entitled Don’t Leave Me or something to that affect, based off the chorus of the song.

DEVIN
After Cleveland, came a young man by the name of Devin. I also checked out Devin prior to the show. The song that he sang (I believe) was also an original piece. Devin brought a different vibe than the other two performers because he has more of an R&B/Pop flavor. I thought that the particular song was fitting for his vocals.

All of the performers did a good job and I have no complaints.

When We Speak TV would like to encourage all three performers (Cleveland Jones, Sasha, and Devin) to continue to follow their passions and to keep giving it their best…..You never know who’s in the audience but most of all, you never know who will be inspired by your determination.

BRING TO THE STAGE! CRISSY COLLINS!

Now that I’ve written so much in this blog already, I don’t know what to tell you about Crissy’s performance….. You already know it was full of energy! Therefore, just check out the video below:

Have a great day! See ya at the next event!

CRISSY COLLINS

From Tyler Perry To Beyonce (Crissy Collins- Up Close and Personal)

On Thursday, September 15th, I decided to go to a Crissy Collins performance at Café 290 in Atlanta. (I guess I don’t have to tell you that I enjoyed myself, you should know that, because I’m talking about it!) 

If you aren’t sure who Crissy Collins is, or have not heard her name before, let me briefly run down a little about her. You can see her in Tyler Perry’s plays Madea Goes To Jail and Madea’s Big Happy Family. If you’ve seen the play Madea Goes To Jail, Crissy plays the inmate Chico that Madea refers to as “young man”. In addition, if you’ve seen the play, she sang the (you know what) out of the song Yes Jesus Loves Me in this play. She also makes an appearance in some of the Tyler Perry movies… I can’t think of exactly which ones off hand but I think it was The Family That Preys and Madea’s Big Happy Family

In addition to her work with Tyler Perry, you can also see Crissy singing behind one of music’s most noticeable names, Beyonce. Yes, she is also a background singer for the music superstar Beyonce.
I heard Crissy sing in person back in December 2010 when she sang at the SW Atlanta Soulful Celebration, in which I sang in the choir on the song she led but I had never been to one of her performances. I also remember seeing her singing with Beyonce in Atlanta at the I Am Tour. It was great to experience Crissy Collins as an individual singer, it was definitely time well spent!
When We Speak TV wishes Crissy the best that life has to offer and much success as she continues to grow and prosper!
For more information on Crissy Collins and her music:
www.crissycollins.com

Buy Crissy Collins Music on Amazon.com