Page 11 - Florida Sentinel 7-29-16 Online Edition

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Singer CeCe Teneal Is Looking Forward To What God Has In Store For Her
Watch Party Slated For Presidential Nomination
On Thursday, members of the community gathered at the Yucatan, 2016 Town Center Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511, at 6 p.m., for a political watch party.
The purpose of the gather-
ing was to witness Hillary Clinton accept the nomina- tion for the President of the United States.
Many local politicians at- tended the event that offered free food at the facility.
BY KENYA WOODARD Sentinel Feature Writer
A legend in Orlando’s live entertainment circles, singer CeCe Teneal is almost an un- known here in the Bay.
But that will change on Fri- day, when Teneal brings her show “Portrait of A Queen” to the stage at St. Petersburg’s The Palladium Theater.
The “Queen” in the title, however, isn’t Teneal – it’s another legend, Aretha Franklin.
“Portrait of A Queen” also is the name of Teneal’s latest CD, released earlier this year on Goin’ Native Records. It’s a musical tribute to Franklin that’s chocked with hits like “Daydreaming,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman,” and “Dr. Feelgood.”
Blessed with an earthy, raw, and stirring voice, the Os- teen, Fla., native released her first CD five years ago. When it was time to record another album, Teneal said she imme- diately gravitated to Franklin.
“That’s how I discovered I had a voice,” she said. “I was singing with her records when I was coming up.”
Teneal said there’s much she can identify with in Franklin, her unmistakable voice being most prominent.
“The uniqueness of Aretha’s voice – it’s kind of
CECE TENEAL
the same thing for me,” she said. “There’s such an individ- uality to my voice, (when they hear it) people know it’s me.”
Franklin’s catalog is part of the root of soul music, Te- neal said.
“The music she’s put out are timeless classics,” she said. Attendees to Teneal’s show can expect her to sing those classics backed by a 10- piece band. Along with the band are liturgical dancers, doo-wop singers, and “over-
the-top” background singers. The Broadway-style show is “a full production,” Teneal
said.
“I wanted it to be a theater-
style show,” she said. “There’s a lot of golden moments in the show.”
There’s also moments of banter and engagement with the audience during “Portrait
of A Queen,” which provides attendees the opportunity to get to know Teneal.
A singer from a young age, Teneal said she honed her showmanship skills while lead singer at Orlando’s B. B. King’s Blues Club.
After four years at B. B. King’s, Teneal left to sing all over Europe and the Caribbean on Holland America Cruise Lines.
Upon returning home to Central Florida, Teneal has returned to doing what she does best – performing live shows throughout the region and state. Talks are underway for shows in South Florida and Europe, Teneal said.
The fifth anniversary re-re- lease of “Train From Osteen” also is being planned, she said.
Teneal said she’s still rid- ing the wave of warm reception of “Portrait of A Queen” and hasn’t given much thought about new projects. Whatever is ahead, Teneal said she’s ready to embrace it.
“I’m really looking forward to what God has in store for me,” she said.
Target To Hire More Than 200 In Tampa
Three Target Cor- poration stores in Tampa have set out to hire more than 200 seasonal workers.
The retailer said
Thursday that it is
hiring at stores at
Tampa Central Wal-
ter's Crossing, 1544
N. Dale Mabry High-
way; University Plaza, 13658 University Plaza St.; and 15240 N. Dale Mabry Highway.
In total, Target expects to hire around 230 employees.
The team members will be hired to support the back-to-school
season, according to Erika Winkels, Target spokesperson.
"But we expect many of these team members to stay on, as our
holiday season is right around the corner," she said.
The company also expects many to stay on and become year-
round team members, but could not share specific numbers.
The Walter's Crossing location is holding a job fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. All locations are offering on-site applications and walk-in interviews.
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2016 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 11-A