| Sarah Gloria, 14, of Suisun City, will be performing at Seafood City in Vallejo on April 23. Although Gloria is an American Idol fan, her dream is to perform at the Apollo. Photo: J.L. Sousa/Times-Herald
Teen vocalist prime for next career move
'Simply Sarah' CD released; Seafood showcase soon
By RICHARD FREEDMAN, Times-Herald staff writer
It's perhaps apropos that Sarah Gloria has lured Seafood City as a major supporter of the Vallejo High School student's concerts.
This 14-year-old catch is a big one that's not getting away, said Theris Coats, Gloria's manager from Sacramento.
"I've worked with other teenagers before and they've become full of themselves," Coats said. "But Sarah is very easy to work with. She's truly star material but she's not gloating. She's sticking to her plan."
That plan includes a current release of her debut CD, "Simply Sarah," and a "Simply Sarah Fan Club" that's getting launched.
On the heels of a successful free concert at Seafood City in Sacramento two weeks ago, Gloria performs at the Vallejo branch of the Asian grocery store April 23.
"Because of her heritage, Filipinos have really gotten behind her," Coats said. "But what we're aiming for is not to just attract Filipino audiences. We want her to crossover to all audiences."
Though singing with recorded tracks for her mini-concerts, Gloria said she's working on getting a band together.
Just another step up the ladder to the top, she said.
"Getting to the level of professional is harder, but I'm getting there," she said, realizing early that a key is to "always show up to your meetings."
As for performing, "you just have to give it all when it comes to shows," Gloria said. "You can't just show up. And you have to keep having shows for your fans. You have to keep going."
Gloria said the fan club "is so cool. It's a way fans can get closer to me."
Coats is picking and choosing the personal appearances.
"I'm not sure right now about a tour," Gloria said. "I'm pretty sure TLC (Theris Coats Corp.) is getting on that."
Gloria said she's adapting well to performing in public, though all the screaming and applause at her Seafood City-Sacramento show was an adjustment.
"It's very overwhelming," Gloria said. "I'm just speechless when I see them clapping for me. It's a wonderful feeling."
The vocalist said her CD sales did well after the event and she didn't think the 1,000 copies would last long. The recording process, Gloria said, "is fun, but it's very tough. One time, I actually cried at one of the sessions. I couldn't get a note down. It's a very stressful but worthwhile experience."
Though a follow-up CD "should be easier because I'm familiar with how to do it, everyone will probably have more challenges put in front of me."
Gloria sings and writes songs whenever she can but still finds time to focus on her schoolwork, not to mention playing softball.
"I'm balancing my time with school and performing," she said.
Though an American Idol fan, Gloria believes the show "doesn't really recognize talent" and has no plans of auditioning.
The Apollo in New York, however, would be the dream gig.
"I always wanted to sing there," Gloria said. "Definitely."
If you go
What: CD release concert
Who: Sarah Gloria
When: April 23, 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: Seafood City, Vallejo Plaza, 3467 Sonoma Blvd., Vallejo
Contact: TLC Productions, (916) 271-0423
|
San Francisco Christian Fellowship Karaoke Contest
Delano Amateur Singing Contest
Sarah Jane was in the studio at the end of September 2003 at work on her new album in San Francisco, with Producer Maestro Brian, in association with Out of Lakeview Records, TLC Productions and TL Coats Publishing.
