All Hail the Power of Music!
The Ishmel Sisters - PINTSIZED PATRIOTS
“Sophisticated enough for adults…but made for children.”
by Garner Lomax
What a show! We laughed. We cried. We cheered with exclamation. But most of all, we just watched in amazement as Flint’s own Ishmel Sisters and company pulled out all the stops for their pre-election day concert.
Jarinne, JaShanna, and Janel, the daughters of Kevin and Korinne Ishmel, are the stars of their new musical revue styled show “PINTSIZED PATRIOTS: A Children’s Celebration of Music Americana”. And what a celebration it was!
At only 13, 11, and 10 years old respectively, and singing everything from classical music to foot-stomping gospel numbers to Broadway show tunes and the jazz melodies of Duke Ellington, these three young ladies were the very picture of poise, personality, and professionalism as they delivered a soul-stirring, inspirational, and (at times) hilariously funny Flint debut performance of their patriotic showcase.
Presented in the fellowship hall of the Antioch Baptist Church, it was immediately clear upon entrance that a lot of time and attention had gone into transforming the intimate yet open space into a quaint theatrical vignette, complete with lights, backdrops, and props.
The show began precisely on time with a toe-tapping musical revue by the band, comprised of master musicians B. Blake Watkins of Detroit, MI, on piano and Flints finest Antwain Kirkland on keyboard and DeWayne Tippit on drums.
Akin to the custom of the great concert halls of the world, the doors were held until during the performance, allowing for the controlled entrance of late-comers only twice before the intermission. The audience seemed to appreciate this strict code of theater discipline.
15-year old Detroiter, John Darryl Winston, II (a future teen heartthrob) mesmerized audience singing a rendition of a Bob Dylan song while accompanying himself at the acoustic guitar. Then he wowed us yet again playing a splendid rendering of Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag”.
“Tonight we are doubly blessed to enjoy these unique gifts…and for free…before it goes to the White House and on to the world stage” remarked Rev. Lewis Randolph, pastor of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church as he requested a freewill offering from the burgeoning crowd of 200-plus children, youth, young adults, and seniors.
Following the show, Kevin gleamed with pride and joy as he shook hands with the guests. “We’ve done programs before in Flint but have never had this many people come out to support the girls. We really appreciate the turnout tonight!” says the proud father. “Mt. Zion Baptist Church brought a whole busload of children and youth to the show!”
“These children are simply remarkable” says 68th District Court Judge, M. Cathy Dowd. “More people need to see this. It’s transformative and life-changing! ”
The Ishmel Sisters offer a unique and inspirational message of hope, excellence, and possibility for today's youth. They are under the tutelage of their uncle, operatic baritone and performance educator, Professor Darnell Ishmel and are members of The C.H.A.N.G.E. Foundation - a non-profit organization that provides a platform whereby inner-city talent can be discovered, cultivated, and showcased.
"Children are our greatest resource and best hope for the future” says Professor Ishmel. “Investing in their holistic development must become our highest priority."
According to Professor Ishmel, “The Ishmel Sisters serve only as a model for what we endeavor to do with other young people in the community. It is a rigorous program that requires a strong commitment from both the parent and the child. But priceless are the rewards of successful matriculation.”
“I’ve never seen anything like it!” exclaimed one gray-haired concert attendee, “I just wish my grandchildren were here. They have got to do this again!”
By public request, on Monday, November 29 at 7:00 pm these dynamic young ladies will present an encore performance of the show. Once again, admission is free! To avoid the line and the potential clamor for seats you should reserve your seat in advance. Please call (810) 412-8463 or email theishmelsisters@gmail.com
posted by Darnell Ishmel at 11/14/2010 07:44:00 PM
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