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| True | Talent - Midwest Artist Search |
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| Written by Denise Schultz | |||||||
| Sunday, 10 May 2009 12:25 | |||||||
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Gaia – Goddess of the Earth... If I had created a fictional deity for this story, I couldn’t have imagined one more beautiful and gifted than the 37-year old Janesville mother of four, sister to 10, and wife of one very happy man, who recently won first place in the first Midwest Artist Search solo vocal competition.  Established by Walworth music professionals Mark and Gretch Hladish, the inaugural competition was the first step in a lifelong journey of establishing a collaborative network of musical artists.For four weeks regional singers performed before live audiences and were professionally judged in elimination rounds. On April 10 and 11, 2009 at the Lodge at Geneva Ridge, twenty finalists gave it their all to qualify for ten slots on a compilation CD sampler, with one grand prize winner also receiving an entire 10-song CD project with promotional benefits. Each of the ten finalists are amazing individuals, as were the many others who participated and are now part of the permanent network. As in any competition, one person had to be chosen as the top choice. When Gaia Galvan’s name was announced she was truly surprised and humbled. “I wish my kids were here!” and “Thank You Honey!” (directed straight to her husband John) were heartfelt words of passion. Gaia was gracious and gorgeous, from the inside out. We celebrate her success and are somewhat surprised by her statements of “Doing it scared!” After enjoying her commanding stage presence, it is difficult to imagine this songstress having any of the fear she says she fights before every live performance. “I have never aimed to be a star,” she shares. “I actually love harmonizing and have the most fun in the background.” “I guess I am my own worst enemy,” she reflected when I pursued the topic of anxiety. “I am such a perfectionist when it comes to music. I have been blessed by having the opportunity to work with some of the best in the business. I continue to learn from everyone whose paths I cross, and I continue to develop my natural talents and nurture my gift.” She went on to explain that as the winner of this competition she looks forward to the ability to share her lessons with others, especially the young women who may lack confidence and maturity that she may be able to inspire and foster. “That would thrill me,” she shares genuinely committed with a ‘pay it forward’ attitude. “If God is in the equation – anything is possible” is the theme by which Gaia and her husband John minister, and they are walking the walk. “We are living testimonies of what happens when God is in the mix,” she shares. “We are spiritual people, not religious people, and I’m not ashamed of that,” she says. “We are also practical,” which is part of what she enjoys about her management position at Basics health food cooperative where she continues to learn about healthy eating and wellness; knowledge she enjoys sharing with others. The couple has established a church with the goal of having spirituality available 24/7 (www.thefathershouse247.org). “The fast food chains have it down – serving virtual junk 24 hours a day – why can’t we hit Heaven with prayer that way!?” says the vibrant muse. “We keep it real,” Gaia says of their lives. “We love to hear – ‘in your home, at church, out at the park, everywhere you are – you are the same.’ That’s us – we keep it real…” Gaia credits John’s encouragement for getting her this far. “As a mother, I had put my singing on the back burner,” she reflected. “There are many seasons in our lives, and I haven’t been in the season to pursue my musical career for a while. I had counted the costs, and wasn’t willing to pay them. Then I really began to feel my season has passed and I was just too old to be successful. But when a co-worker brought me the Gazette article announcing this contest, John encouraged me saying ‘what are you waiting for? Go for it!’ so I decided to pursue it. I prayed and I practiced, and I am so grateful for this opportunity to move forward. I am so excited to work with Mark and Gretch and see what they are able to bring out of me!” Where does she hope this will lead? “I just love to sing, and if people enjoy it – that’s a bonus!” she shares. “I hope this is the first of many recording projects. Who knows what the future holds? I just know I’m open to it!” Watch for updates on appearances and the CD release at: www.midwestartistsearch.com. Other talented finalists include ~ Amber Boardman (Darien, WI) – a lovely young woman with natural talent that brings a smile Jessica Dahme (Burlington, WI) – a bundle of positive energy who energizes a crowd with her soul Mitch Gibson (Lake Geneva, WI) – the bartender who puts down his shaker to croon beautiful ballads Karla Kampen (Villa Park, IL) – a gorgeous young woman with a voice and soul well beyond her years Katelyn Roberts (Hartland, WI) – a delightful sprite, performing her own originals throughout the contest Rocco Scaturro (Round Lake Beach, IL) – charms an audience to silence with his smoothness Margaret Stewart (Antioch, IL) – captivates the crowd with classic elegance Abbey Swatek (Lake Geneva, WI) –inspiration flows from her angelic voice and her smile lights a room Chelsea Taylor (Rockton, IL) – the little girl with a big voice – and huge opportunities for success. | |||||||
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| Last Updated on Sunday, 10 May 2009 12:47 | |||||||
