Ever since NQC announced on Twitter that they were bringing the Parade Of Pianos showcase back to Convention, I’ve been looking forward to seeing my hero’s grace the stage and watch them blend beautiful melodies on the ivory keys.  So, when Saturday afternoon finally came, you could guess where I was…Freedom Hall!

The gang playing their hearts out!

As I found a seat on the floor, Tim Parton and Kim Collingsworth were playing what sounded like a classical duet.  Our host, Tim Parton, greeted the crowd next, “Good afternoon!  It’s great to see you here!”  Then he took a moment and reminisced back to the days when this showcase was called “Pianorama” and hosted by Anthony Burger.  Of course, Tim remembered those good times and didn’t hesitate to tell us about them.  “I hope you enjoy this afternoon,” Tim continued, “some of my best friends are right here.”  The first soloist of the showcase was Channing Eleton.  Before beginning the hymn he would play, Leaning On The Everlasting Arms, Channing waved at the crowd.  The precision with which he played the “runs” in the number was amazing!  Josh Singletary was up next to play, and this is what our host had to say about him, “This guy is very creative…he’s gonna come up and play a little I’ll Fly Away medley.”  Josh was chuckling before he even began playing, and if you’ve heard Josh play this solo, you will remember the Jazz flare he adds to it.  He made all that finger work look so easy too!  “That is so fun,” said Tim, before he introduced the next pianist.  By way of introduction, Tim spoke of how this man wrote him a letter of encouragement in the late 80’s when he began playing for the Lesters – that man was Jeff Stice.  Jeff played the Theme from Exodus and when the fans recognized the tune, they applauded.  This is one of those songs that stir you up.  From this crowd, it received a standing ovation.  “Thank you…” Jeff said, pretending to be out of breath.  Then he told of the opportunity he had to introduce the next man.  This mystery player was in the featured artist showcase on Monday and blew everyone away.  Jeff beckoned the young man to come stand next to him, and when he did, Jeff handed him the note card and asked him to stand a few feet away from him (pretending that he couldn’t read it unless it was far away).

Jeff and Timothy...

“Thirteen years old!” Jeff exclaimed, then he turned to the crowd, “What are you laughing at?”  This thirteen year old goes by the name of Timothy Nobles, and he played a medley called, It’s All About Heaven.  The solo began with a fast beat, like a quartet song, then it slowed down and the bass carried the medley while the right hand provided a rolling accompaniment.  He received a standing ovation.  Timothy just stole the crowd’s heart!  “That is our future right there,” said Tim, “what a privilege.”  Then he went on to tease, “When you put together a program, they tell you never to follow animals or kids…but I figured this next lady could pull it off.”  At the mere mention of “lady” the crowd broke out in cheers.  There was only one lady on the platform, and her name was Kim Collingsworth.  Before Kim sat down to play, she explained that her 26^th wedding anniversary was the following week, and she wanted to play for us what she played for Phil at their wedding.  The audience clapped a “yes” as she sat down and played a soft ballad.  As the last few notes were quietly played, Phil stood up and called out, “I love you baby!”  LOL  Next, Jeff Stice came up and played a duet with Kim.  Following that, Tim, Josh, Channing and Gerald spread across the stage, each on a grand piano, and played Keep on the Firing Line.  Right in the middle of the number, Josh began playing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” when he realized that everyone was looking at him, he let out one of those laughs that only he can do!  The next group of guys, Stan Whitmire, Tim Parton and Trey Ivey played I’m Winging My Way Back Home as a trio.  “Let’s hear it one more time for Stan Whitire!” Tim exclaimed after the quartet song.  Stan was the next player to perform a solo, and his was a hymn, Blessed Assurance.  I loved the key changes in it!  “I guess this one needs no introduction,” said Stan as Gerald came up to join him, “’cause I don’t have one.”  LOL  Gerald and Stan played a duet together, but after a measure or two, Gerald stopped and took his mic, “This is the most stiff keyboard…ladies and gentlemen, I don’t know how they were playing on this thing!”

Gerald and the "stiff keyboard..."

Stan added, “Pray for strength.”  LOL  They tried it again and Gerald stopped in the same spot to stretch his fingers, Stan patted him on the back and then they finished Just Over In Gloryland.  It was short and fast!  “I can’t believe it, that burned my fingers,” said Gerald afterwards, moving towards the piano in the center of the stage instead.  “I’m not playing on that one anymore; I’m playing on this old one that’s worn out.”  He told a little story to go with his solo.  It was actually the song that Kim was going to play, but she decided against it, and it was in Gerald’s mind ever since.  He explained that it was a song that isn’t well known, but he hoped we would bring the lyric to mind anyway.  It was a slower song, and though I recognized the tune, I couldn’t think of the title.  But I think it was a hymn.  For the next song, Kim, Channing, Jeff and Josh joined Gerald for chorus or two of Gentle Shepherd.  Legacy Five’s pianist, Trey Ivey, played next.  He played a classical Sonata that went into Leaning On The Everlasting Arms.  Afterwards, Tim came and played a duet with him.  Tim Parton was the last player to perform a solo before they went into taking requests.  The two closing songs were played by Kim, both requests; the first was How Great Thou Art and the second And Can It Be?

Kim working her magic...

Conclusion:  First, I want to thank the NQC for bringing this showcase back!  I’ll admit, the attendance could have been better, but there were other concerts going on at the same time, so that’s understandable.  This was the very first Parade of Pianos that I have witnessed live, and as a piano player myself, well, I was in heaven!  It was so neat to see all those great pianists get up on stage with each other and play duets and show off on their solos or just reminisce with a song that meant a lot to them.  It was just a special showcase!