I was so excited when my manager Dan called and told me that I was the opening act for the FREESTYLE BLAST at the College of Staten Island. DOCO Entertainment put together an amazing line-up for their first major freestyle event in Staten Island, and I got to be a part of it! I was so honored.
I knew I had to give it my all and prove that freestyle is not just a thing of the past … it is alive and still going strong. I practiced with my dancers Dominic and Mary (aka China) for a solid month so that we were prepared.
On the day of the show, we all met at my place and drove up to the show together. Everyone was excited, and ready to give a great performance.We hit a little traffic on the way up to Staten Island (we are from the South Jersey/Philly area), but knew that we would make it to the venue on time. During the ride we listened to the show tape one last time as a final preparation. And of course, the guys were downing their Red Bulls. lol.
Once we got to the Performing Arts Center, the whole experience went to another level. To be surrounded by such amazing acts like ANGEL THE ORIGINAL COVER GIRL, and GEORGE LAMOND, CORO, JUDY TORRES, etc. was so amazing for me. I have been such a fan of all of them and now I get to perform in a show with them. TOTAL DREAM COME TRUE! Me, my dancers and my manager Dan were so pumped!
We were greeted by everyone at DOCO Entertainment (what a great crew), so nice and professional. Jay from DOCO showed us to my dressing room with a sign with my name on it … very nice touch, guys!
After an interview with a local radio station and some picture taking, we got “the call” to the stage. We were ready and went to the stage to go on. I couldn’t wait to get out there and do what I love to do. I love to write and record but there is nothing like getting on stage and performing for a crowd. I live for that!!
After a quick prayer we were ready to do our thing! Speedy from LaKalle gave me a great introduction, and then it was showtime! We performed and the response was great. There is nothing like giving it all that you have onstage, and then having the audience show their appreciation.
When we were offstage, we all had a small celebration among ourselves. Then I got to enjoy the rest of the show and see how the veterans do it. Seeing and hearing them perform all of the hits that freestyle was built on … WOW! Such great entertainers!! I felt like I was in the best company.
The experience backstage was special to me too. The other artists were showing me love, and I really appreciated it. Angel, the original Cover Girl always makes me feel great with her awesome compliments, I totally look up to her. She is amazing on stage, I have never seen someone connect so well with a crowd the way she does. What an inspiration!
I just want to thank my manager Dan for believing in me and taking me to the next level, thanks to Latif for recognizing my hard work and for having faith in my music career. And thank you DOCO ENTERTAINMENT for putting together such a great show:)
And thank you Staten Island for being such an awesome crowd, I hope to perform again there soon! I see how far I have come — and after watching the veterans perform, I know I still have alot to learn — but I am having the best time and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me.
If you want to see the videos of my performance, I have them posted on my site www.jonelleonline.com
- jonelle xoxo
