Raw Talent

Raw Talent — page 5 — Jasmeer pokes me again Right Paisley I really want to help Heath and Vanessa’s family keep their farm But I don’t want to work backstage or sell tickets or be an usher I want to perform Even though the idea totally terrifies me I don’t sing in public Not anymore My dream is to become a successful singer songwriter As a first step I want to audition for our school musical next term So I kind of have to get over my stage fright Farmshine could be my big chance Hello Jasmeer says You didn’t answer my question She knows how scared I am although I haven’t told her exactly why I’m not sure she’d understand She’s into photography and can hide behind her camera Up onstage I’d be totally exposed My stomach is already feeling woozy Shh I’m trying to hear what Vanessa’s saying Don’t forget everyone that Farmshine is meant to showcase all the talents Stonehill has to offer Some of you may not have heard that in addition to the performances onstage there will 4 JOCELYN SHIPLEY

Raw Talent — page 6 — also be a Farmer’s Market set up during inter mission We’ll have flowers and produce from our farm as well as crafts and baked goods for sale So all you bakers and makers out there be sure to sign up too More cheers and chatter Vanessa passes around a clipboard with two sheets of paper When it comes to Jasmeer she puts her name on both the volunteer and the talent lists She’s volunteering to design the Farmshine program and set up the Facebook event page She’s also going to sell cards at the Farmer’s Market made from photos she’s taken of the farm One more thing Vanessa says We’re still looking for a really big name to headline the show Any suggestions I’ve got a perfect one Denzi a pop star who actually grew up right here in Stonehill She’s even more famous than Maxine Gaston And if Denzi came to Farmshine I’d get to meet her But the words don’t come out Not only am I scared to sing onstage but I also don’t even have the nerve to speak up here Heath does though How about Denzi he calls out 5 RAW TALENT

Raw Talent — page 7 — Everybody starts chanting Denzi Denzi Denzi Whoa Vanessa yells Awesome idea little brother But it’s highly unlikely she’d come We have to be realistic Cadence stands and waits until everybody is looking at her The Sweetland Singers she says flipping her long dark hair We’re pretty famous too And we’re local Not to mention humble I think I might barf Great suggestion Vanessa says Thanks Cade You’re welcome I’ll ask our director at rehearsal tonight Happy to help Cadence smiles at Heath I’ll probably have a solo I’ll dedicate it to Sunflower Farm and the memory of Heath and Vanessa’s dad Definitely going to barf The Sweetland Singers are famous They win all kinds of awards at music festivals And after they won an international competition last summer their name was added to the welcome sign on the road into town Okay I will confess that I’m totally intimidated by the Sweetland Singers I auditioned for them 6 JOCELYN SHIPLEY

Raw Talent — page 8 — shortly after we moved here Let’s just say it didn’t go well Jasmeer passes me the clipboard and pen Here you go I take it and read the names on the talent list There are five pianists three ballet dancers a jazz troupe an a cappella group two rock bands and a ukulele player So far I try to picture myself in the spotlight Ready to sing But no Just thinking about it makes me feel naked And no way am I signing up if the Sweetland Singers are going to be the big-name act When Jasmeer isn’t looking I pass the clipboard clipboard on After the meeting Jasmeer and I head for our lockers I’m just about to admit to her that I didn’t sign up for anything when she says Oh my god I’m so excited about Farmshine Yeah I say Me too It’s going to be an amazing show And I’m so proud of you for signing up Way to go Um about that Oh don’t stress over the stage-fright thing at all I’m going to ask Maxine to coach you 7 RAW TALENT

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