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:

#OnTheRunTour: Cooking on the road!

I have always expressed that I have a great admiration and respect for artists/ musicians that tour because they work so diligently on small amounts of sleep.  Recently, I was afforded the opportunity to speak with several musicians that definitely know the meaning of touring on a small amount of sleep.

I got the opportunity to speak with members of Beyonce/ Jay Z's, On The Run Tour band.  Yep that's correct!!!!  

First up is Adison Evans!  

She is a saxophonist in the tour, and she also hosts her own show called Adi's Jazz Kitchen, in which she combines the art of music and cooking.  Stay tuned for more episodes with the On The Run Tour Band!!!!






Enjoy this great recipe from Adison and Adi's Jazz Kitchen!!!

Advice For Aspiring Singers

Jermaine Sain (When We Speak TV) asks Crissy Collins (Background Vocalist for Beyonce), what would be the best advice she could give to someone aspiring to be an entertainer......... Check out her response.

MORE VIDEOS OF CRISSY COLLINS

The Sound of Phillippia

I have spoken with, met, and sang with many great vocalists.  And now I can add Phillippia to that list of great vocalists.  On November 28, 2012, I decided to check out Crissy Collins's Birthday Jam Session. There were a number of singers, including Crissy Collins, that performed.  Before the night was up, Phillippia also peformed and I was blown away!

The name "Phillippia" was already familiar to me because one of my friends always told me how good she was but I had never experienced Phillippia for myself!  When she first started I thought, "What's so special about her" but then as the song went on, I could physically see Phillippia transform.  It was like she fully let go of who she was and became the song in the physical! 

You should definitely check her out!  That night I got a chance to speak with her briefly!  Her spirit was just as warm as her vocals! 

When We Speak TV would like to encourage Phillippia to keep using her gift to the highest level!

Crissy Collins of Beyonce's "The Mamas" makes an appearance on When We Speak TV!

I have been an admirer of Crissy Collins ever since I saw her in Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes To Jail (the play), in which she sang one of the best renditions of Jesus Loves Me that I’ve ever heard…..

…One day, I was sitting at Philips Arena in Atlanta, at the Beyonce, I AM Tour and when Beyonce introduced her background singers, to my surprise she says….”and Atlanta’s own Crissy Collins”.  I was like, “what?”!  I didn’t know that she sing background for Beyonce!

Then to my surprise, in 2010, I was singing in a choir for a Christmas celebration and Crissy Collins was one of the featured vocalists….. I was so amazed to see her but was too afraid to speak!  Then, once again to my surprise, the group I sing with was invited to sing at a program for guess who?  Crissy’s mom!  Once again, I saw Crissy but was afraid to speak to her! 

…To make a long story short, I ran into Crissy a few more times, as well as, attended some of her shows.  Each time I was too afraid to speak.

Then one day, I decided that I wanted to attend a show that Crissy Collins was having at Acoustix Jazz Lounge and Restaurant in Atlanta, but the only problem was I had an interview scheduled with Gareth Asher on the same day (around the same time).  That didn’t stop me….I decided I would do the interview at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur and then go to Crissy’s show even if I have to arrive late.   Well, to my surprise I made it on time and to my benefit I was seated right in front. 

That night, Crissy did an amazing performance and she also did something else that I didn’t expect….I was aware that Crissy loves audience participation and loves to put the microphone in your mouth for you to sing….well gues who she spotted out!  Yep! Me!  I was so nervous that I didn’t sing…… (but that’s ok, the next show that she did it, I was ready!)

Fast Forward…….

One day I was online and I received a message from someone on my Facebook wall and guess what it said……something like this……”Jermaine, inbox me, I want to give you my number so we can talk!”

Do I need to tell you that I was extremely excited?  You already know who it was…Crissy!

I am such a fan of Crissy and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to speak with her on When We Speak!  I wanted to share that story just to encourage you that sometimes things don’t happen the way you want them to but if it’s God’s will, It will be done!  Have a great day!

MORE VIDEOS OF 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:

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