Soldiers show talents

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Barry Jenkins, HHC 101st Sustainment Brigade, performs the Verve Pipes' "Freshmen" during the MWR Talent Show Oct. 22.  

11.08.2005

Courtesy Story

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Sgt. Rachel Brune
101ST Sustainment Brigade

From Bronx, N.Y., rap to drumming on the Indian tabla, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Talent Show provided an international flavor in entertainment to Soldiers on Oct. 22 at Q-West.

Jerry Yonko, MWR supervisor, emceed the program, which showcased the talents of eight Soldiers and three civilians residing here.

Female vocalist Sgt. Octavia Nickle, 818th Maintenance Company, won the Talent Show with her rendition of "Leaving on a Jet Plane." Nickle, who performed with the Monster Garage Jam Band, is scheduled to redeploy soon.

The Q-West Drama Club started off the evening with a duo performance of "The Copper Clapper Caper," a Johnny Carson and Jack Webb sketch. Susan "Su-Z" Cothern, MWR coordinator, and Don Schnell, of the fire department, deftly attacked the tongue-twisting skit to comic effect.

Airman 1st Class Kevin Czarnecki, 332nd Expeditionary Logistic Readiness Squadron, performed next on the guitar with his rendition of "Glycerine" by the British rock group Bush.

The performance geography headed back to New York with an original rap piece performed by Bronx, N.Y., native Pfc. Manuel Terc, Co, A, 16th Signal Battalion. Terc wrote the song based on his experiences on deployment.

"I tell my moms every day on the phone/I'm doing my thing and holding my own," Terc rapped over a beat he downloaded from the Internet. He continued on the chorus: "Ain't nobody love me like you."

The rhythm of the music segued into a performance by Sgt. Rob Stocklas, 818th Maintenance Company, whose drum solo swung, rocked and stomped the beat across the drum set and a handy wooden stool. Stocklas was last seen onstage Sept. 25 at the dining facility, accompanying the Monster Garage Jam Band on the drums.

A new arrival at Q-West, Spc. Corey Franks, Co. B, 1-10th Aviation Regiment, received loud applause for his a capella rendition of H-Town's "Knockin" Da Boots."

Franks is an accomplished performer, who was last seen in the Army's Soldier Show. He left the show early to volunteer for deployment with the 1-10th.

The OH-58 Kiowa helicopter crew chief participated in the Army-wide 2005 Stars of Tomorrow Talent Competition. Franks placed third in the male soloist category, earning him the spot on the Soldier Show, he said.

After Nickle's winning performance, AAFES employee Modhusood Anan set up a pair of Indian drums known as tabla. He performed several rhythmic pieces, including one with vocals.

Using the motion of his hand on the large drum, known as the bayan, Anan changed the pitch of the beat as well as the rhythm.

Two guitar and vocal performances closed out the evening. Spc. Dean Olson, 245th Aviation Detachment, played and sang Aerosmith's "Crazy." Olson also performed at the DFAC with the Jam Band.

Spc. Barry Jenkins, HHC 101st Sustainment Brigade, played the guitar and sang the Verve Pipes" "The Freshman." Stocklas accompanied him on the drums for the last set of the evening.

MWR hosts the Talent Show monthly. The next show is scheduled for Nov. 18. Any musicians wishing to become involved with musical activities on post should stop by MWR and speak to Yonko.

• Date Taken: 11.08.2005
• Date Posted: 11.08.2005 14:02
• Story ID: 3669