El Cajon has had a great couple of weeks and here are a few of the things that I had the privilege to witness.
West Coast Country Music Challenge 2105
El Cajon has had a great couple of weeks and here are a few of the things that I had the privilege to witness.
West Coast Country Music Challenge 2105
It was a privilege to be one of three judges at the second annual West Coast Country Music Challenge 2015 at Parkway Plaza this year. And judge or not, this is an event that I would not miss. I am always amazed at the talent that our county has, and this is no exception. I am such a fan of the West Coast Country Music Association San Diego and love it even better because it is an exclusive East County event. And what this non-profit does for both seasoned performers that are out there every day looking for the next gig, or new and young entertainers with little or no public experience is remarkable.
This year, I got to sit with Danielle Tucker, owner of Tuckerentertainment and vocalist for the Danielle Tucker Band, The Mighty Untouchables and more as she is well known beyond San Diego for her vocals and entertainment. Also on board was Michael Clayton Harris, one of San Diego’s premier drum players, with the versatility to work with any genre of music. Being in the presence of such musical talent, it was an honor to be in such company.
The WCCMA is out there all year round to help both newcomers and seasoned country musicians gain experience in all parts of the country music industry, and the mentors within the organization are passionate and determined to help members to succeed. So if you love to sing traditional and new country, bluegrass, folk or gospel, it does not matter whether you are solo, duet or band, this organization is there to help you ground yourself in the industry. And don’t wait for next year’s Music Challenge, join the group now and be ready for next year’s competition and you just might be the one heading to Tennessee for nationals.
Iraqi Center for Dialogue
I had to stop by the Ronald Reagan Community Center last week to see this organization as it honored students from middle school to master’s degrees that have overcome the many obstacles that come in life when transitioning from a refugee to a part of American Society. It was nothing short of breathtaking, hearing the many stories of young and old overcoming the persecution they faced in their homeland and the many struggles, all different, yet the same in making the best out of worst case scenarios in life, and succeeding. Each and every one of them deserved recognition for their accomplishments and the warm welcome that I received from this multicultural and multi-religions organization. Stories I heard, well, some of them are slated for future stories. In fact, there was not one single testament that I heard that would not make an inspiring story and show a great part of the diversity that East County has to offer.
El Cajon’s Special Olympics Send-off
What a celebration as more than 200 World Special Olympic delegates from Korea and Egypt rolled up to El Cajon’s Centennial Plaza on Friday. And El Cajon, as the host town, met them with the fanfare and enthusiasm that honestly, I have never seen before. It has to be an honor to be even considered as a host town, and El Cajon took it seriously with the many volunteers and organizations that made these delegates feel welcomed and participated in many pre-activities to give them a good dose of American culture.
I have to say that the Special Olympics has a special place in my heart, and while I watched the athletes revel in the gala of the morning, part of me was in Alabama with my niece who was participating in the local Special Olympics there. So much so that I got caught up in the spirit of the morning, watching the smiling proud faces, ready to hit the streets to Los Angeles for the World Games. But it wasn’t just the delegates with all of their enthusiasm that I noticed, it was also the people of El Cajon that came out to support them. The city, staff, volunteers and community were the heartbeat of the celebration and El Cajon can be proud and assured that these delegates had a morning they will never forget and a send off that set the stage for their performances at the Special Olympic World Games. Thank you El Cajon.
