Lesser Lights?
by Sandra Miller-Long

Today, a young woman strapped into a motorized wheel chair sat waiting in front of the grocery store for a van to pick her up. Her mother stood a little apart from her, watching a soft rain come down. She started to sing,a sounding kind of song at first, but then it started to take the shape of a melody. It was one of those haunting voices, deep and rich and sweet, one of the best I have ever heard.

I got to thinking about this voice and the gift of sound. This woman was old and large; her sweater was ancient and looked like it had been worn by others before her. I doubt she has ever gotten money for singing, though her church probably benefits from her gift, and I gather the young woman sitting still and unmoving in the chair does, too.

It's so confusing, listening to better packaged lesser gifts, wondering where the sense of things is, and how much we have lost through lack of recognition or opportunity. It also gives you sadness, because who knows why they never pursued the talent? Children that needed to be taken care of, food needed to feed them, dreary jobs with drearier wages consuming all their life? Leaving them broken and bitter at the end of it, or pleased and content despite of it all?

There are the naturals and there are the professionals. In choosing between the two, the naturals are always the best. They may lack in sophistication and polish, but theirs is the domain of emotion ... of passion. And that is what haunts you, enchants you, worries you, and enriches you. I'm glad this woman is singing for herself, for the love of singing, and I'm thankful that I was privileged to be in her audience.

By now most of you have seen "Your Big Break", a new variety program produced by dick clark productions, inc. Basically, it is a one-hour weekly karaoke program with a game show twist. Some of you may already have tried for a spot on the show.

The premise: On each episode of "Your Big Break," five karaoke singers (or groups) are given the opportunity to portray their favorite singers and perform one of their idol's greatest hits in a performance on stage - complete with back-up singers, dancers, lights and effects. Viewers first see each contestant profiled in their everyday life and then are re-introduced after they've been transformed into the superstar of their dreams by professional make-up artists and costumers.

After watching all of the contestants, a live studio audience votes for their favorite entertainer. The winner of each episode has the chance to become the grand prize winner at the end of the season.

If you have an opinion of the show and its format, we want to know! If you have viewed the show even once, please fill out our online questionnaire at www.sandiegoscene.com/big break.htm

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