Talented Young Performers Grace Stage At NSU

TAHLEQUAH They may be the youngest performers gracing the stage of the 2007 Northeastern State University Stars in the Summer Series, but Pattie Clay, Brian Gaylor and Danica Lee have been delivering knock out performances all summer.

These talented young performers provide an energized perspective on the shows, said Megan White, managing director for the Summer Series. Our veteran performers are re-energized by their presence and remember what it was like the first time they stepped on stage.

In her third season with Downtown Country, Pattie Clays powerhouse vocals are well known throughout northeastern Oklahoma. At age 15, Patties music career has already spanned 12 years.

The other performers don't treat me different for being younger, she said. Im just another performer putting together a great show.

A veteran stage performer, Pattie is the opening act for Cookson Jubilee, and has performed with country music artists like Lonestar, Blake Shelton, Mel McDaniel and Bryan White.

Ive done a lot of talent shows where my dad worked, said Pattie. I joined organizations and people just started asking me to perform.

A student at Tahlequah High School, Pattie plans to attend Northeastern and then pursue a career in singing or music education.

Brian Gaylor graduated from Tahlequah High School in May, and has already proven himself as a talented performer this summer. A member of the THS Honor Choir and Show Choir, Brian has been "singing since birth."

Ive always wanted to be a performer or at least be involved in the entertainment industry, he said. River City has been a great way for me to get my first taste of professional performing.

Brian took part in the Oklahoma Summer Art Institute for three years, and plans to pursue a career in music after college.

A recent graduate from Checotah High School, Danica Lee has quickly made a name for herself in her first professional production.

Its kind of strange, Ive never done anything like this before, said Danica. But the experience has given me some really good training. The other performers and directors are always willing to work with me, and when I mess up, they are there to help.

A piano player since the age of 6, Danica plans to pursue her musical dreams at Northeastern, either in music education or jazz studies. Music tells stories and I like to tell stories, she said. Im just not sure which area I want to study yet.

Pattie Clays mother, Dawn, is amazed watching her daughter and the other young performers light up the stage with their performances.

Its so humbling to see someone so young and talented achieve so much at such a young age, said Dawn. Its so amazing.

Downtown Country presents "Chart Toppin Country" and "Celebrate Oklahoma!" at the University Playhouse on the corner of Downing Street and Muskogee Avenue. "Chart Toppin Country" runs Thursday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. "Celebrate Oklahoma!" runs Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m.

"Chart Toppin Country" pays tribute to songs, stars and events that defined the past 75 years, featuring hits from Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Conway Twitty, Crystal Gayle, George Strait, The Judds and Brad Paisley. "Celebrate Oklahoma!" highlights the contributions of Oklahomas numerous country music artists over the past century. With hits from Gene Autry, Patti Page, Roger Miller, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Albert E. Brumley, Ricochet and Oklahomas favorite son Will Rogers, its evident that Oklahoma is not only the heartland of the USA, but also the true heart and soul of country music.

River City Players presents "Rockin Across the USA!" and "Old Time Rock n Roll" at the Shawnee Street Theater at the corner of Shawnee Street and College Avenue. "Rockin Across the USA!" runs Thursday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. "Old Time Rock N Roll" runs Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m.

Hit the road with the River City Players as they go "Rockin Across the USA!" Travel from north to south, east to west with hits like "Midnight Train to Georgia," "Your Momma Don't Dance," and "Shake, Rattle and Roll." A stop in Oklahoma showcases the states numerous contributions to rock n roll with a collection of songs written by Oklahoma artists, including "These Boots Are Made For Walking," "Tight Rope" and "Joy To The World." Take a trip to the glory days of rock n roll with "Old Time Rock n Roll" with a mixture of 50s and 60s classics. This blast from the past features songs by the legends of rock n roll, from Chuck Berry and The Supremes to Frankie Valli and Aretha Franklin.

The 2007 NSU Stars in the Summer Series runs every weekend through Saturday, Aug. 4. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for NSU alumni and employees, $8 for seniors, and $6 for students, children and groups of 20 or more. For reservations, call 918-458-2075. June is early bird month, with a $1 discount for shows through June 30.