Norwood

Norwood is a 21 year old pop singer and performer. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.... - www.dailysingle.com

Norwood is a 21 year old pop singer and performer. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.... - www.dailysingle.com

Norwood is a 21 year old pop singer and performer. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.... - www.dailysingle.com

ATLANTA -- On Saturday, Lawrenceville pop singer Norwood performs at Kenny's Alley for the Southeast's largest New Year's Eve celebration -- the Atlanta Peach Drop. It is his first time performing at the event.

"I'm very excited about the Peach Drop," he said. "I'm happy to be honored at such a historic Atlanta event. As a native of Atlanta, this is a big deal."

Norwood takes stage at 10 p.m. after Louisiana's Eryn Woods. The 20-year-old singer can't believe he's performing with so many famous acts.

"You know, it hasn't completely hit me yet. I imagine it will hit me when I take the stage, but we'll see," Norwood said about performing at the same event as Kansas.

At the concert, Norwood is performing three new singles for the public, which he said will "blow people's socks off." The singles will be released on Jan. 1, but if you come to the Peach Drop, you may win one of 500 free copies that will be handed out. There will be other surprises, as well as a full band and several professional dancers on the stage with him.

For those who have never heard Norwood's music, he describes it as a mix between Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake with the "looks of Elvis Presley."

"It's very pop but there's a lot soulfulness," he said, "especially in the slower songs."

As an all-exclusive sneak peek, Norwood is offering Gwinnett Daily Post readers a chance to download his new tunes for free before anyone else hears them. Those who would like to download the songs should visit www.norwood-music.com/gdp. - The Gwinnett Daily Post

ATLANTA -- On Saturday, Lawrenceville pop singer Norwood performs at Kenny's Alley for the Southeast's largest New Year's Eve celebration -- the Atlanta Peach Drop. It is his first time performing at the event.

"I'm very excited about the Peach Drop," he said. "I'm happy to be honored at such a historic Atlanta event. As a native of Atlanta, this is a big deal."

Norwood takes stage at 10 p.m. after Louisiana's Eryn Woods. The 20-year-old singer can't believe he's performing with so many famous acts.

"You know, it hasn't completely hit me yet. I imagine it will hit me when I take the stage, but we'll see," Norwood said about performing at the same event as Kansas.

At the concert, Norwood is performing three new singles for the public, which he said will "blow people's socks off." The singles will be released on Jan. 1, but if you come to the Peach Drop, you may win one of 500 free copies that will be handed out. There will be other surprises, as well as a full band and several professional dancers on the stage with him.

For those who have never heard Norwood's music, he describes it as a mix between Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake with the "looks of Elvis Presley."

"It's very pop but there's a lot soulfulness," he said, "especially in the slower songs."

As an all-exclusive sneak peek, Norwood is offering Gwinnett Daily Post readers a chance to download his new tunes for free before anyone else hears them. Those who would like to download the songs should visit www.norwood-music.com/gdp. - The Gwinnett Daily Post

Norwood @ Peach Drop 2012 Mentioned in Creative Loafing Magazine - Creative Loafing Magazine

Over the past year, 19-year-old Stephen Norwood has performed in many Gwinnett and metro Atlanta events, including a Braves game and the annual Macy’s Lighting of the Tree at Thanksgiving. Now this talented young man has traveled to Los Angeles, where he secured a production deal and recorded his first single to be released within the next few weeks.

Norwood and his manager, Jayne Madigan, left for California on July 17 and just returned Aug. 22 in time for Norwood to perform at the Suwanee Festival of Books this past weekend. The trip was split between San Diego and Los Angeles. And Norwood managed to experience numerous excellent adventures along the way.


“I performed twice at the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica,” Norwood said. “I attended the first annual Grammy Block Party where I had the opportunity to meet other artists, producers and decision-makers in the industry.”

He also took lessons in both dance and voice.

“I took dance lessons at the Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles. This is the hottest dance studio in Hollywood where national artists such as Janet Jackson, Pink, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears have trained,” he said. “I also took voice lessons with Lis Lewis who has been a well-known voice teacher and performance coach in Los Angeles for 30 years. Her clients include Rihanna, Gwen Stefani, The Pussycat Dolls and others.”

The most important part of the trip, however, was the production deal and the recording of Stephen’s first single, “After the Rain.” The song was written by a very famous Los Angeles-based songwriter and producer who has worked with such artists as Ray Charles, Ringo Starr, Whitney Houston, Jermaine Jackson, Smokey Robinson and Celine Dion. Also importantly, one of the best sound engineers in the country mixed the single, and a well known guitarist who works with such stars as Mariah Carey and the Jonas Brothers played on the single.

Although this well-known songwriter’s name cannot be divulged until the single is released, Norwood found him to be a wonderful collaborator.

“He is great to work with,” Norwood said. “He is very patient in the studio, and he likes to include the singer in the creative process. He likes to hear the singer’s input and ideas. His songwriting and producing abilities are incredible to witness in person.”

The song will be released within the next few weeks. The song itself, according to Norwood, is mid-tempo with a happy message.

“I think anyone will be able to relate to the song in their own way,” he said. “It’s one of those songs that makes you feel good when you hear it, no matter what. It’s also very catchy. I think it suits my voice well because I’m really able to connect with the song emotionally, and the emotion comes through in the recording.”

According to Norwood’s manager, Jayne Madigan, “This song showcases Stephen’s unique vocal abilities, styling and range. Our producer built the arrangements around Stephen’s vocals so the song is a perfect fit.”

Besides work and lessons, Stephen and Jayne managed to bike on the beaches of Santa Monica and Mission Beach, hiked Runyun Canyon, took yoga classes, ate vegan food and had some considerable celebrity sightings. In all, it was a most productive trip.

Visit Norwood’s website www.stephennorwood.com and sign up for an e-newsletter that will let recipients know when his single is released. Stephen is also on MySpace and Facebook. - Gwinnett Daily Post

Norwood performs at "11Alive Metromix Soundcheck" - 11Alive

Norwood in Jezebel Magazine - Jezebel Magazine

The sweet lulls of this up and coming R&B singer were enough to entice Our Town Magazine to share with the Gwinnett community the journey to fame of this shining star. Meet Norwood - a fellow Gwinnetian with a dream and the unstoppable drive to accomplish it. At just 20 years old, his impressive resume screams talent and heart, a talent that is recognized by some of the best in the music industry. His sweet voice and old soul charm makes him a musician to watch out for in the near future. We guarantee you'll be hearing a lot more about him, not only on OTM but also on your favorite music delivery system.



OTM: Who were your early influences growing up?
NORWOOD: There are too many to name! If I had to pick a few, Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera, and Stevie Wonder were (and still are) big influences for me musically, as were Madonna, Amy Winehouse, and The Beatles.



OTM: How did you find out you had a talent for singing?
NORWOOD: I've been singing for as long as I can remember, but I discovered that it was my passion when I went to a week-long music summer camp when I was about 10 years old. It was my first time performing for people, and I was hooked! In 2009, I met my manager, Jayne Madigan, at which time I launched my professional career. She has helped me expand as a singer and a performer, and has played a huge part in getting me to were I am today.



OTM: What was it like opening up for B.B. King?
NORWOOD: Opening for B.B. King was an incredible experience - a true adrenaline rush, especially as an artist who had only started his solo career 6 months before. My band and I performed to a sold out crowd, the audience was amazing, and we got to meet B.B. and take a tour of his bus!



OTM: Did the legend (B.B. King) have any advice for you?
NORWOOD: He told me to keep following my dreams and to never give up - and I intend to do just that!



OTM: What was it like growing up in Gwinnett? What high school did you attend?
NORWOOD: I have many fond memories of growing up in Gwinnett. It's a great place to grow up - there is a sense of community that a lot of other places don't have. I was actually home schooled so that I could focus my time on music and performing, which was a good fit for me. And my first show as a professional artist took place in Gwinnett - the Executive Director of the Gwinnett County Visitors Bureau invited me to perform at a private party in her home. Since that time, I've had the pleasure of performing many shows for my fellow Gwinnettians and sincerely appreciate the continued love and support!



OTM: What are your goals for the future?
NORWOOD: I have so many goals for the future; I don't really know where to begin! I want to be successful in the music industry, make great music, tour the world, make people smile, help those in need...my main goal is to live my life to the fullest, and to help make the world a better place for everyone. However, my immediate goal is to record my next single. My new song was written/produced by well-known Gwinnett-based producer, Brad Cox. Our target release date is June 1st, so please visit www.Norwood-Music.com to take a listen and let me know what you think by leaving a comment on my Guestbook. I'm also excited to announce that I'll be spending most of the Summer in the studio recording in preparation for a tour this Fall - stay tuned for more info coming soon.



OTM: Where can we find more information about you and hear your music?
NORWOOD: You can visit www.Norwood-Music.com to hear my music, see my show schedule, and connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Reverb Nation etc. I'm pleased to announce that my first single "After the Rain" is now available on iTunes! During the month of June, ALL proceeds will be donated to the "Plant a Billion Campaign". We will plant 1 tree for each download, so please visit www.Norwood-Music.com to purchase your copy today for ONLY 99 cents and help save the environment. NOTE: "After the Rain" is my first single that was released in November 2010 and written/produced by famed LA producer Steve Dorff. Dorff has worked with many national artists such as Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, and Barbra Streisand just to name a few.



OTM: What would you advise young artists who have big dreams here in Gwinnett?
NORWOOD: Just keep working hard! Network with like-minded people in the business, find a reputable management team that has your best interests at heart, make sure your live performances are memorable, and never give up on your dream! - Our Town Magazine

"Norwood performed his single “After the Rain”, and honestly it took me back to high school when I was a huge Nsync fan; it was good to hear some pop music again!" - The Fashionary

B.B. King charms with songs, tales, Lucille
9:23 am September 3, 2009, by Tracy Brown


When you hear than B.B. King is 83 years old, battling diabetes and sits during all of his performances, it’s easy to assume that you’ll find a frail old man on his “unofficial” farewell tour. You couldn’t be more wrong.

The king of blues already had his farewell tour in 2006. And “Never say never,” says the man who three years later, still tours around the world, putting on more than 250 shows each year. Even though he turns 84 in less than two weeks, King is as frisky and fresh (on the guitar and off) as he was 40 years ago.

“Don’t be surprised if you see me shaking my boogie a little bit,” he told fans at Wednesday night’s sold-out show at the intimate Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre in Mabelton. All night long, you expected him to do just that as he jammed in his seat.

After 60 years, the blues legend has perfected charming the crowd with song, funny tales (including one about Dr. Viagra) and quips that make him even laugh:

On Michael Phelps: “A guy who swim as fast as he can ought to be able to smoke whatever he wants whenever he wants.”

On women: “I ain’t ever seen a ugly woman.” And “The older we get the prettier they get.”

On parenting: “Children are your children till you get to a certain age; then they become your parents.”

On remarrying: “She can be from 21 to 82.”

But, of course, King charms best when he has a little help from his beloved Lucille. In “Everyday I have the Blues,” one moment he’s using the black Gibson guitar to delicately tease, then strumming hard and quick the next. In John Lee Hooker’s “I’ve Got the Key (Key to the Highway), he passionately wails “Just give me one, one last kiss, baby.”

But one of the night’s favorite was a tune from his 2008 covers album “One Kind Favor.” It was fun to watch King groove to his remake of Blind Lemon Jefferson’s “See That My Grave is Kept Clean,” a song he says his kids aren’t particularly fond of.

Did you go to the show? What was your favorite? “All Over Again,” (I’ve got a good mind to give up living and go shopping instead”)? Or maybe “Baby I love You.” Or the obvious closer “The Thrill is Gone”?

Also, did you catch the local 18-year-old who opened for King? The talented Stephen Norwood blew the audience away with his soulful voice and take on Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” and Donna Hathaway “A Song for Your” and Sam Cooke’s “Change is Gonna Come
- Atlanta Journal Constitution

Over the past year, 19-year-old Stephen Norwood has performed in many Gwinnett and metro Atlanta events, including a Braves game and the annual Macy’s Lighting of the Tree at Thanksgiving. Now this talented young man has traveled to Los Angeles, where he secured a production deal and recorded his first single to be released within the next few weeks.

Norwood and his manager, Jayne Madigan, left for California on July 17 and just returned Aug. 22 in time for Norwood to perform at the Suwanee Festival of Books this past weekend. The trip was split between San Diego and Los Angeles. And Norwood managed to experience numerous excellent adventures along the way.

“I performed twice at the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica,” Norwood said. “I attended the first annual Grammy Block Party where I had the opportunity to meet other artists, producers and decision-makers in the industry.”

He also took lessons in both dance and voice.

“I took dance lessons at the Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles. This is the hottest dance studio in Hollywood where national artists such as Janet Jackson, Pink, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears have trained,” he said. “I also took voice lessons with Lis Lewis who has been a well-known voice teacher and performance coach in Los Angeles for 30 years. Her clients include Rihanna, Gwen Stefani, The Pussycat Dolls and others.”

The most important part of the trip, however, was the production deal and the recording of Stephen’s first single, “After the Rain.” The song was written by a very famous Los Angeles-based songwriter and producer who has worked with such artists as Ray Charles, Ringo Starr, Whitney Houston, Jermaine Jackson, Smokey Robinson and Celine Dion. Also importantly, one of the best sound engineers in the country mixed the single, and a well known guitarist who works with such stars as Mariah Carey and the Jonas Brothers played on the single.

Although this well-known songwriter’s name cannot be divulged until the single is released, Norwood found him to be a wonderful collaborator.

“He is great to work with,” Norwood said. “He is very patient in the studio, and he likes to include the singer in the creative process. He likes to hear the singer’s input and ideas. His songwriting and producing abilities are incredible to witness in person.”

The song will be released within the next few weeks. The song itself, according to Norwood, is mid-tempo with a happy message.

“I think anyone will be able to relate to the song in their own way,” he said. “It’s one of those songs that makes you feel good when you hear it, no matter what. It’s also very catchy. I think it suits my voice well because I’m really able to connect with the song emotionally, and the emotion comes through in the recording.”

According to Norwood’s manager, Jayne Madigan, “This song showcases Stephen’s unique vocal abilities, styling and range. Our producer built the arrangements around Stephen’s vocals so the song is a perfect fit.”

Besides work and lessons, Stephen and Jayne managed to bike on the beaches of Santa Monica and Mission Beach, hiked Runyun Canyon, took yoga classes, ate vegan food and had some considerable celebrity sightings. In all, it was a most productive trip.

Visit Norwood’s website www.stephennorwood.com and sign up for an e-newsletter that will let recipients know when his single is released. Stephen is also on MySpace and Facebook.

- Gwinnett Daily Post

What a year it's been for Stephen Norwood. Imagine turning 18 and launching a professional singing career in February; heading to Los Angeles for industry meetings and looking for a record contract in July; opening for B.B. King in September; and being named Macy's Rising Star and singing at the Macy's Great Tree Lighting in November.

The Gwinnett County Native has a soulful voice he unleashes on ballads such as Donny Hathaway's "A Song for You" and Joe Cocker's "Unchain My Heart". Norwood has wanted to be a singer since he attended a musical theater summer camp when he was 8, and says his influences include greats Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as contemporary artists like Amy Winehouse.

Career Highlights:
*Concert before an Atlanta Braves game at Turner Field
*Opening act for B.B. King's Atanta show
*Recently signed on as student with renowned vocal coach Renee Grant Williams. - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

B.B. King charms with songs, tales, Lucille

9:23 am September 3, 2009, by Tracy Brown

When you hear than B.B. King is 83 years old, battling diabetes and sits during all of his performances, it’s easy to assume that you’ll find a frail old man on his “unofficial” farewell tour. You couldn’t be more wrong.

The king of blues already had his farewell tour in 2006. And “Never say never,” says the man who three years later, still tours around the world, putting on more than 250 shows each year. Even though he turns 84 in less than two weeks, King is as frisky and fresh (on the guitar and off) as he was 40 years ago.

“Don’t be surprised if you see me shaking my boogie a little bit,” he told fans at Wednesday night’s sold-out show at the intimate Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre in Mabelton. All night long, you expected him to do just that as he jammed in his seat.

After 60 years, the blues legend has perfected charming the crowd with song, funny tales (including one about Dr. Viagra) and quips that make him even laugh:

On Michael Phelps: “A guy who swim as fast as he can ought to be able to smoke whatever he wants whenever he wants.”

On women: “I ain’t ever seen a ugly woman.” And “The older we get the prettier they get.”

On parenting: “Children are your children till you get to a certain age; then they become your parents.”

On remarrying: “She can be from 21 to 82.”

But, of course, King charms best when he has a little help from his beloved Lucille. In “Everyday I have the Blues,” one moment he’s using the black Gibson guitar to delicately tease, then strumming hard and quick the next. In John Lee Hooker’s “I’ve Got the Key (Key to the Highway), he passionately wails “Just give me one, one last kiss, baby.”

But one of the night’s favorite was a tune from his 2008 covers album “One Kind Favor.” It was fun to watch King groove to his remake of Blind Lemon Jefferson’s “See That My Grave is Kept Clean,” a song he says his kids aren’t particularly fond of.

Did you go to the show? What was your favorite? “All Over Again,” (I’ve got a good mind to give up living and go shopping instead”)? Or maybe “Baby I love You.” Or the obvious closer “The Thrill is Gone”?

Also, did you catch the local 18-year-old who opened for King? The talented Stephen Norwood blew the audience away with his soulful voice and take on Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” and Donna Hathaway “A Song for Your” and Sam Cooke’s “Change is Gonna Come.” - Atlanta Journal Constitution

Art Beat: R&B singer to perform
By Holley Calmes
Art Beat

Stephen Norwood is only 18, but he has packed a lot of living into the last few years.

Norwood is preparing to enter the next chapter of his singing career as he returns from a trip to Los Angeles where he met with a number of potential music producers.

He is also preparing to entertain the home folks. A concert at downtown Duluth's Red Clay Theatre featuring Norwood will take place at 7 p.m. Aug. 16.

The concert is an opportunity for fans to hear Norwood offer up his own brand of R&B, one that has been winning him new admirers with each performance he gives. Norwood has a special bond with his Gwinnett area audiences.

"Having been born in Gwinnett County and living there as a kid, I feel a real connection with the community and the 'feel' of Gwinnett and its people," he said. "Plus, whenever I play a show in Gwinnett, the response has always been very positive."

If all goes well, Norwood will not stay in our area long, as the world of entertainment has already discovered him. He traveled to Los Angeles with his manager Jayne Madigan in late July and met with a number of high-powered music industry producers.

"We had meetings with several producers," Madigan said. "Each producer had background on Stephen and wanted to meet him. These were mutual get-to-know sessions, and Stephen sang for each of them. The idea was for Stephen to select the producer he felt most comfortable with, a producer who will create a demo CD. This demo will be shopped to the major music industry labels in order to land a recording contract."

Said Norwood, "My trip to L.A. was very productive. I acquired a production deal with a phenomenal producer and started working with him on some original material. I also had a lot of fun - I went to the beach, rode the roller coaster on the Santa Monica pier, visited Rodeo Drive, and ate some great food."

The big announcement with the name of this high-profile production team will be announced on Norwood's MySpace page when the ink on the contract is dry, sometime this fall.

Meanwhile, he will be performing locally and traveling back and forth to L.A. as he begins working with this producer. Eventually, Norwood hopes to be moving to L.A. full time, and his dreams for the future are limitless.

"I want to be everywhere in 5 years," he said. "Traveling and performing in other countries, my picture in every newsstand, my songs on the radio - the sky's the limit."

Before he flies off into the sunset, Gwinnett fans can enjoy his music with reduced-price tickets. A special $8 ticket offering is available on www.redclaytheatreonline.com for the Aug. 16 show. Regular price tickets are $10 at the door. Stephen will also perform Sept. 17 before the Braves game at Turner Field in Atlanta. A half-price ticket offering for the concert and Braves game, plus all about Norwood's music, can be found on his MySpace location at www.myspace.com/stephennorwood.

Holley Calmes is a freelance writer and public relations consultant specializing in the arts. E-mail her at hcalmes@
mindspring.com.
- Gwinnett Daily Post

When the executive director of the Gwinnett Convention and Visitor's Bureau asked entertainment entrepreneur Jayne Madigan for some help with a wine party, she didn't have to think too hard for the perfect solution. She had just taken on the singing career management of Stephen Norwood, an 18-year-old crooner.

Norwood wowed the party-goers at Caryn and Michael McGarity's home, and Madigan is convinced she has a new addition to her stable of "stars."

Norwood lives in Dunwoody, but has numerous Gwinnett ties. He was born at Gwinnett Medical Center, and he attends The Bridge Church in Lawrenceville. His career was launched in Gwinnett, and he will be very visible here in the weeks to come.

"Stephen will be one of the first to sing the national anthem for the Gwinnett Braves," Madigan said.

Madigan said Norwood will debut from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Wine Styles at The Avenue Webb Gin. He'll return there on April 3 and 17. He will also be singing on WUGA radio at 4 p.m. April 10. Then he will entertain the crowds in the Beer Garden venue at Barefoot in the Park Arts Festival at

12:30 p.m. May 9 in Duluth's Town Green.

Norwood said he knew he wanted to be a singer from the age of 8.

"I signed up for a musical theater summer camp, just to try it," he said. "The counselors and teachers saw potential in me and encouraged me and my parents to pursue music. I started taking voice and piano lessons, and I realized it was something I really enjoyed."

He began his college career at age 16 at Georgia State University, where he takes classes.

Norwood looks to the great artists of the past and toward current "retro" artists for his style.

"I particularly love Louis Armstrong, Amy Winehouse, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Paolo Nutini and Duffy," he said. "I don't feel like I emulate anyone in particular. I'm just inspired by these artists and this inspiration slowly evolves into my sound."

To find out more about Norwood, go to www.myspace.com/stephennorwood. You can also twitter him at twitter.com/stephennorwood.

Holley Calmes is a freelance writer and public relations consultant specializing in the arts. E-mail hcalmes@mindspring.com.

- Gwinnett Daily Post

Posted: 2:00 PM Dec 3, 2009

Artist Profile: Local singer talks influences, opening for legend B.B. King

After a summer in which he opened a performance for legendary music artist B.B. King, Stephen Norwood capped off the fall and kicked off the holiday season performing live at the 67th lighting of Macy’s Great Tree in Atlanta as this year’s Macy’s Rising Star. The nationally televised event was attended by thousands, and Norwood’s name was on the lineup with 2006 American Idol finalist Mandisa and country singer Josh Turner. In this artist profile, the 18-year-old Gwinnett resident talks to staff writer Deanna Allen about his big performances, as well as what’s up next for him in his budding career.
Reporter: By Deanna Allen, Staff Writer
Email Address: deanna.allen@gwinnettdailypost.com

width:250 and height: 430 and picwidth: 139 and pciheight: 239
Staff Photo: Jonathan Phillips
Local singer Stephen Norwood kicked off the holiday season performing live at the 67th lighting of Macy’s Great Tree in Atlanta.
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After a summer in which he opened a performance for legendary music artist B.B. King, Stephen Norwood capped off the fall and kicked off the holiday season performing live at the 67th lighting of Macy’s Great Tree in Atlanta as this year’s Macy’s Rising Star. The nationally televised event was attended by thousands, and Norwood’s name was on the lineup with 2006 American Idol finalist Mandisa and country singer Josh Turner. In this artist profile, the 18-year-old Gwinnett resident talks to staff writer Deanna Allen about his big performances, as well as what’s up next for him in his budding career.

DA: Describe your sound.

SN: R&B/pop with an old school twist. Think Beyonce and Christina Aguilera meet Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway.

DA: Who are some of your musical influences?

SN: I am influenced by all kinds of music and musicians. Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Queen, Etta James, the list could go on forever.

DA: How long have you been performing?

SN: I’ve been singing for the better part of 10 years. Since I was little I was always a part of singing groups, local plays, church activities, things like that. But I really started doing it professionally this year. It all started because my mom was trying to figure out a summer camp to put me in when I was eight or nine and she found a music summer camp and I did really well in it and I really enjoyed it so it just kind of all built from there.

DA: What’s your favorite aspect of performing?

SN: I think it’s the connections I can get with the audience, when things are just right when the song is right or when then audience is in the right mood you can really feel a great connection with them and they can feel a connection with you. There’s really nothing like it. It’s a powerful moment. And just to be singing. I just love to sing.

DA: Tell me about opening for B.B. King.

SN: That was a really, really great experience. It was, I think, definitely one of my largest shows to date, if not the largest. About 2,500 people roughly at this amphitheater. And I got to meet B.B. and I got to speak with him for a few minutes, I got to take a picture on his tour bus and he just amazes me. At 83 years old he is still out and touring and working the crowd like no other. It was very inspiring to watch, definitely.

DA: How did the show with B.B. King come about?

SN: We were actually there about three weeks before at the concert for the B-52s at the Mable House Amphitheatre and we were sitting before the show, (my manager) Jayne (Madigan) and I and our friends, and we were looking through the pamphlet for the upcoming shows for the season and we saw B.B. King was coming in three weeks. And Jayne and I said to each other, “Oh, that’d be really cool to open for B.B. King wouldn’t it?” Like half joking. I thought it would be cool but I thought, “Oh, I’m sure they’ve already booked someone.” So that was on a Friday. Jayne called the amphitheater first thing Monday morning just to say, “Hey, who’s opening for B.B. King?” Because it didn’t say on the Web site and as it turned out, Friday evening, the night that we were there at the B-52s, the previous opener, who had been scheduled since April, e-mailed the amphitheater telling them he wouldn’t be able to open anymore. He had to cancel. So it just worked out really well and within two days, we had the booking.

DA: What were you feeling just before you took the stage to perform at the Macy’s tree lighting event?

SN: Cold, a little nervous, but mostly excited. I was really anxious to get on the stage and start singing.

DA: What, if anything, was going through your mind while you were on that stage singing “Let It Snow.”

SN: How awesome it was to be performing on live TV for hundreds of thousands of people.

DA: What can people expect from a Stephen Norwood show?

SN: They can expect a great show with great singing, great band. The band is - Gwinnett Daily Post

Duluth launches 'New Year's Extravaganza'

by Prisca Pointdujour

A new tradition begins Dec. 31 in downtown Duluth at city hall. The event will include live music and food, but what will happen at midnight? Officials are quiet about the details, but a midnight surprise at the clock tower

December 18, 2009 | 01:25 PM
DULUTH - New Year's Eve will mark Duluth's First Annual New Year's Extravaganza, from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Duluth Festival Center Amphitheater and Town Green. The free event will feature live entertainment, food and a midnight surprise based around the clock tower.

The event is sponsored by the Entertainment Design Group, designers of the Atlanta "Peach Drop," but event coordinator Jayne Madigan insists that this will be very different, and just as exciting.

"We're just trying to offer an alternative to going all the way downtown. We're not trying to compete with the Peach Drop, but if we steal their thunder, that's great," she said.

The city is expecting more than 7,000 people in attendance.

Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris will emcee the event, kicking off with a magic show, followed by several acts, including salsa dancing. The headliner is Stephen Norwood, a rising R&B singer, Macy's Rising Star of 2009.

The city has also invited local media and celebrities to attend.

The family-friendly celebration will include hands on activities, and a winter carnival. For security reasons, no food or drink allowed to be brought into the event, but will be sold by vendors.

There is also an optional $30 black-tie VIP Gala, beginning with a cocktail party at the Duluth Art Gallery. Guests will then enjoy improve comedy and dancing at the Red clay Theatre. At 11:30 p.m., VIP guests will be escorted to the Town Green for front row seating at the unveiling of the midnight surprise.

Madigan remained tight-lipped regarding the details of the surprise saying, "Even if I were to disclose it, it would not do it justice. It's really something you have to come see for yourself."

In tribute to the event, a "Capture the Spirit of Duluth" wall will be displayed on the Town Green. For $100, anyone can purchase a space to have their named etched in history.

Businesses that wish to sponsor the event can contact Jayne Madigan at 678-475-3512 for more information. - The Gwinnett Herald

MARIETTA - The Cobb County Civic Center was packed with community members on Monday morning to mark the Cobb NAACP's 24th annual celebration honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This year's program "Keeping the Dream Alive: Continuing the Journey" was especially significant as it coincides with the NAACP's centennial. The Cobb County branch of the NAACP and Cobb County government help to sponsor the yearly celebration.

Deane Bonner, president of Cobb County NAACP, said in planning this year's celebration the focus was to showcase the talent of the youth of Cobb County and Atlanta to continue the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"That was the significance of having that amount of youthful talent," Bonner said. "Those are people that we see as future leaders, certainly carrying the legacy of the NAACP to the next hundred years."

In the seats of the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, both young and old were participating in the celebration. The theater was filled to capacity, with overflow seating across the courtyard in Hudgins Hall.

Kicking off the ceremony was a dance performance by the Paisley Academy of Performing Arts, and ballet and tap solo performances by the Ray Hall dancers.

A greeting from Sam Olens, Cobb County Commission Chairman, and Jerine Grimes, first vice president of the NAACP, welcomed the audience to the 24th annual celebration. Also speaking about the significance of the day was Congressman Phil Gingrey.

"Today, and I've heard others say, is a day on and not a day off. We need to treat this day, just as we would treat our Sundays, those of us who are Christians, the Sabbath, those of us of the Jewish faith," said Gingrey during the opening comments.

The Master of Ceremonies, WSB-TV's Fred Blankenship, helped to liven up the crowd, get them laughing, and clapping and singing along with various performers.

Entertainment scattered throughout the ceremony highlighted various genres. From the singing of inspirational anthems like, "Lift Every Voice," to modern dance routines, to the performance of an original composition called, "Freedom is Not Free," by the all-female rock group 2BContinued, helped to liven the celebration.

Stepehen Norwood's rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come," brought the crowd to its feet in jubilation.

Norwood, 19, of Dunwoody said he was honored to perform in the event because of King's message and goal of equality.

"Today, it really meant a lot to me, because I really am a strong believer in equality for everyone, regardless of their race, religion, what have you," Norwood said.

Betty McKeever-Gordon, 64, of Austell, saw the auditions to perform at Monday's ceremony as a golden opportunity to carry on King's message. Gordon led the audience in the singing of the National Anthem.

"Dr. King, I believe, he would be very pleased to see all the talent that has been here today, especially the young people ... I really have enjoyed it, it's been fantastic," Gordon said of the celebration.

At the culmination of the ceremony, Bonner and David Hankerson, Cobb County Manager, presented Joeanne Thomas of Marietta with this year's Living the Dream Award.

"She's been one of those unsung heroines that has done what she needed to do to make Cobb County and Marietta a better place to live," Bonner said.

Thomas runs an at-school tutorial and homework assistance program called the Life Skills Center for school children from kindergarten to high school in Marietta.

After winning the award, Thomas said that she was overwhelmed with gratitude and grateful to be honored at an event commemorating Dr. King.

"I have a lot of awards, and I was talking to myself the other night, my goal was to get this award one day. And I was really surprised today when I got it, but I very much appreciate it, because this is the ultimate award. It's like winning the Grammy or the Emmy," Thomas said.

In the planning of the day's event, Bonner said the goal of the NAACP is inspire the community and to encourage them to go out and live Dr. King's message.

"We don't take all the credit for this crowd. We know that these people have a homage to Dr. King and that's why we fill these seat," Bonner said. "... We don't want this just to be a Dr. Martin Luther King Day, we want this to be something that you are going to continue after today." - The Marietta Daily Journal