On this episode of Singing Tips Live, Benita Charles discusses her most memorable performances of her life that had an impact and shaped her into the artist she is today.
Top Memorable Performances of My Life
The Beginning: The Early Years
My first solo of my life at 12 years old at Greater Love Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Detroit, Michigan.
This was the moment I discovered my talent. It set me on a musical journey to self-discovery for the rest of my life. I’ve been singing ever sense and the music is in my blood.
Lesson: When you discover your true passion, you have to do it. You will have no other choice.
Ouachita Baptist University (Performance Major): My 1st Opera – The Marriage of Figaro
It was supposed to be a romantic scene but I turned it into a slap-stick comedy when I thought my slip & skirt was falling down.
The director wasn’t happy about my performance but the students love it!
Lesson: Things don’t always go as planned make the best of it and go with it.
Detroit (Professional Singer): My first major show as a background singer – opening for jazz musician. Marion Meadows
I came in at the wrong time all by myself. I kept singing through the chorus as if it was meant to be. The people who hired me was happy that I kept singing and didn’t stop. It would have made the mistake more obvious.
Lesson: When you make a mistake remain calm, see it though and remain professional. The audience will never know it wasn’t intentional.
NEW YORK
New York (Professional Singer): My first professional job as a background singer for a major Korean Pop Singer
He hired 3 black singers because he wanted soulful singers to support him
Of the 3 of us, I was the most dedicated to rehearsing and learning my parts (phonetically).The other singers didn’t take it so seriously.
I made a huge mistake by running on the stage at the wrong point. I thought the stage manager told me to Go! I ran on stage by myself and all I saw was a sea of people. Then I ran off embarrassed.
During intermission, we were told we were fired. They gave us the option or staying around or leaving with paid. I chose to leave with pay. Other singers were surprised when I said that but my thing was if he didn’t want us there, I didn’t want to stick around
Lesson: Sometimes you can try too hard. Relax and don’t take things so seriously.
New York (Pop Singer signed to Leighshaq Records): My first performance of my new single, Sexy Punchinella on Leighshaq Records at the CD Release Party
It was a high performance, sexy dance hall/R&B song
I was ready to perform. I had my choreography down. The dancers were ready.
The music went out and there were major technical problems.
Instead of getting angry and cursing, I remained positive, talked to the audience and made everyone relax
When the music finally came on, I performed and wowed the crowd
Lesson: Don’t let technical difficulties through you off your game. Keep it moving and you’ll eventually get through it and thrive.
Moments In Love (one-woman show) Upstairs at Rose’s Turn
This a show I self-produced where I sang my favorite love songs and discussed the various stages in love by color (eg. Blue: The Blues; Red: The heart, etc)
My voice cracked at the high point of the song, Nobody’s Suppose To Be Here. I kept going and made the crack more pronounced and longer, as if I planned it that way. I held it together on stage but after I left the stage, I cried my eyes out because I was so embarrassed.
Lesson: When you hit a bad note, don’t let it stop you. Keep going and make it a part of your act. (Once you leave the stage, you can fall apart as much as you want but not on stage.)
Honorable Mention: Never Ever Give Up Video Release Party
The event and my performance were great.
The audience had a great time and I got so many compliments about the event and concert afterwards
I was proud of myself for celebrating my release. It was the first time I ever made myself the star attraction with my music.
Lesson: Celebrate yourself and every step of your achievements
Special Announcements
Upcoming Performances
Benita Charles Trio
Sunday, November 3rd – 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
New York City Marathon Entertainment
We will provide music for the NYC marathoners as they pass through their route
Location at Yaffe Coffee (4423 4th Ave in Brooklyn)
Preachermann & The Revival - Saturday, November 16th – 8:00 pm
Rubulad in Brooklyn
RSVP: Rubulad@outlook.com
The band returns to the eclectic hotspot in Brooklyn
Preachermann & The Revival - Friday, December 13th – 10 pm – 12:00 am
The Shrine
Location: 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd.
The band returns to the legendary The Shrine in Harlem
Preachermann & The Revival - Tuesday, December 31st - 11 pm
Rubulad in Brooklyn
The band returns to ring in the New Year at the eclectic hotspot in Brooklyn
RSVP: Rubulad@outlook.com