The Serendipitous Debut of Katie Prendergast

I would like to offer a great “thank you” to all who participated toward making my Celebration for the 50^th Anniversary of the Release of the Sgt Pepper album a success and a fun time.

Wonderful artwork provided by Sue Woznicki( Sue is ultra professional and always contributes to making my events much better than I envision) and Kathy Boyer Zienty who provided not only art but Beatles memories as well, logistics and service by my wife, Sherry Borglum, and my son, Eric, and song comments by Ryan Clay moved to make the event special.

And I appreciate all who showed up to enjoy. Bill and Donna came from Plymouth. Lloyd and Pam from Cassopolis Michigan, many of my parishioners from the Claypool United Methodist Church (you can always count on them to make a joyful presence!). James and Lyssa Foster, Beatles fans, heard about the event and attended.

James and Lyssa Foster

Steve and Donna, Keith Thews and family…”a cast of thousands!”.

Thanks to all attendees…I hope you enjoyed!

Keith Priser

Keith Priser, praise team leader at the Claypool United Methodist Church provided music. Keith is seriously professional, dependable, and you can always count on him to “make it happen”! When I told him about my celebration a few months ago and invited him to participate, he immediately said “yes”. Keith brought music, stage presence, musicianship and fun to this event. Yes Keith, you “made it happen!”.

But also, sometimes events like this provide for unanticipated moments, stories, and successes.

Having taken a break from singing, Keith and song commentator, Ryan, took a walk to check out other action of First Friday in Goshen.

They happened upon one corner where a young woman was singing and playing guitar. Keith and Ryan invited her to come to the celebration and perform.

Katie Prendergast

Katie Prendergast

     Katie Prendergast performed excellently! She had come to First Friday in Goshen merely as it would be an opportunity to perform in some humble way before people. You can always tell a professional, they very much seek opportunity to deliver their art and music whenever and wherever they can.

Katie approached the microphone with confidence and comfort as if she had been doing this for years. This was her first “real” appearance before an audience gathered to hear solo performance. Katie impressed everyone! She sings with vocal control and tone that just compels one to listen more intensely. As you enjoy the quality and sound of her voice it invites you to move toward the next note, the next line, the next strum of the guitar with an anticipation of something wonderful…something inspiring. And Katie did not disappoint that anticipation at any moment. All the more impressive is that the girl is a young 16!

Katie is off to a great career in music. Yes, events like these open doors sometimes. This door opened for Katie and my word did she walk through with a grace and gift unexpected! Thanks Katie. I consider this event to be your “debut” on the stage of success!