I was delighted to be asked to sing for another pop up charity event, this one called “Helping Hands,” which also helps out homeless people, and it was also to be held at the Guildhall Square. I said yes right away, and got to practising. This one was going to be a barbecue, where everyone can grab a bite, donate whatever change they had in their pockets, relax on the steps, chat, and listen to music. I wanted to perform some new songs, so my singing teacher and I planned to debut some songs we have been working on for an event I am singing at in July; it would be a great opportunity to test them out and get in a practise run before an audience. So, we practised, and I picked out my dress, and I designed a poster for the event. I do like designing posters. |
I was especially excited for this because my best friend was spending the day with us, coming to watch me sing, and then sleeping over. We don't get to see each other as often as we'd like, due to living quite far apart, so when we meet up, we make it count.
Since the event didn't start until 7pm, I had plenty of time to prepare. We even got to go to lunch, and wander around town for a while.
Before we left for the Guildhall, I put on my new dress, pale pink with a floral pattern on the waist, did my hair (well, we attempted to; we wanted to curl it, but my hair was just not co-operating), my friend arrived, and we all drove to the Guildhall. Since it was evening, there was a lovely breeze, which was very welcome, especially in the heat we've been having.
The event had just started, and we met up with my grandparents, and also Becki and Seb, who were there to perform.
After setting up, Becki and Seb opened with their trademark duet of “Be Our Guest” from “Beauty and the Beast.” Seb and I were not going to duet this time, although we have been discussing other songs to learn, so watch this space.
After that, Seb performed his set, which included “Shine” by Take That, “Stars,” from Les Mis, and “Master of the House,” which I think he does better every time he performs it.
After that, we were treated to a performance by the local samba band, which was amazing to watch; it was so energetic and bouncy, and it got lots of people dancing.
After the band, it was Aleisha's turn to perform. She performed a lovely set including “A Thousand Miles,” and “Angel.” She did really well, and has a lovely voice.
After Aleisha it was Isobel's turn. She was the youngest performer there, and her set included a lot of Disney songs. During one of them, “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” from “Cinderella,” Becki was dancing with two little girls. She did great for someone so young.
Then it was my turn. I opened with my version of “Chandelier” by Sia, which I hope to record soon; it's very different to what I usually do, but the crowd seemed to enjoy it.
After that, I launched into “Fascination” by Nat King Cole, which is a new song for me; I think it's really beautiful and I hope to perform it more in the future.
Then, I sang “Dark Waltz” by Hayley Westenra. This song is hauntingly beautiful, I love singing it so much. It was at this moment I noticed the two little girls who were dancing with Becki were sat right in front of me, watching me sing. It was the sweetest thing ever.
After this, I was going to perform a couple of Michael Jackson songs, but seeing what day it was, I knew I wouldn't be able to get through them, so we made the decision to remove them from my set.
My next song was “O Mio Babbino Caro,” and, again, the audience seemed to enjoy this one, as well. This has always been one of my very favourite songs to perform, and I love to really act out the character.
My final song was “Danny Boy.” This song was originally going to be the finale of my Don't Hate, Donate set, but as “Time To Say Goodbye” was requested, I sang that. I like singing “Danny Boy” because everyone knows it, and although it's sad, it's still beautiful.
When I had finished, I thanked the crowd for listening, and as I was walking off, the two little girls hollered “you were great!” Everyone was quiet, so we all heard it, and it made us laugh.
We chatted for a little while, but we soon had to head home, as it was after nine, which meant Molly was up past her bedtime, and she had school the next day. I was supposed to get an early night as well, but as you can imagine, that went out the window; my friend and I were chatting and giggling all night!
We did record the performance, but the audio isn't so great, so we've put some photos up, and you can find more of them in the gallery.
Until next time
Lauren xx
Since the event didn't start until 7pm, I had plenty of time to prepare. We even got to go to lunch, and wander around town for a while.
Before we left for the Guildhall, I put on my new dress, pale pink with a floral pattern on the waist, did my hair (well, we attempted to; we wanted to curl it, but my hair was just not co-operating), my friend arrived, and we all drove to the Guildhall. Since it was evening, there was a lovely breeze, which was very welcome, especially in the heat we've been having.
The event had just started, and we met up with my grandparents, and also Becki and Seb, who were there to perform.
After setting up, Becki and Seb opened with their trademark duet of “Be Our Guest” from “Beauty and the Beast.” Seb and I were not going to duet this time, although we have been discussing other songs to learn, so watch this space.
After that, Seb performed his set, which included “Shine” by Take That, “Stars,” from Les Mis, and “Master of the House,” which I think he does better every time he performs it.
After that, we were treated to a performance by the local samba band, which was amazing to watch; it was so energetic and bouncy, and it got lots of people dancing.
After the band, it was Aleisha's turn to perform. She performed a lovely set including “A Thousand Miles,” and “Angel.” She did really well, and has a lovely voice.
After Aleisha it was Isobel's turn. She was the youngest performer there, and her set included a lot of Disney songs. During one of them, “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo” from “Cinderella,” Becki was dancing with two little girls. She did great for someone so young.
Then it was my turn. I opened with my version of “Chandelier” by Sia, which I hope to record soon; it's very different to what I usually do, but the crowd seemed to enjoy it.
After that, I launched into “Fascination” by Nat King Cole, which is a new song for me; I think it's really beautiful and I hope to perform it more in the future.
Then, I sang “Dark Waltz” by Hayley Westenra. This song is hauntingly beautiful, I love singing it so much. It was at this moment I noticed the two little girls who were dancing with Becki were sat right in front of me, watching me sing. It was the sweetest thing ever.
After this, I was going to perform a couple of Michael Jackson songs, but seeing what day it was, I knew I wouldn't be able to get through them, so we made the decision to remove them from my set.
My next song was “O Mio Babbino Caro,” and, again, the audience seemed to enjoy this one, as well. This has always been one of my very favourite songs to perform, and I love to really act out the character.
My final song was “Danny Boy.” This song was originally going to be the finale of my Don't Hate, Donate set, but as “Time To Say Goodbye” was requested, I sang that. I like singing “Danny Boy” because everyone knows it, and although it's sad, it's still beautiful.
When I had finished, I thanked the crowd for listening, and as I was walking off, the two little girls hollered “you were great!” Everyone was quiet, so we all heard it, and it made us laugh.
We chatted for a little while, but we soon had to head home, as it was after nine, which meant Molly was up past her bedtime, and she had school the next day. I was supposed to get an early night as well, but as you can imagine, that went out the window; my friend and I were chatting and giggling all night!
We did record the performance, but the audio isn't so great, so we've put some photos up, and you can find more of them in the gallery.
Until next time
Lauren xx