The historic Apollo Theater in New York City is where dreams are made.
Billie Holiday. Stevie Wonder. Michael Jackson. James Brown. Their careers began at the legendary venue in the heart of Harlem.
A precious 10-year-old Vallejo kid hopes to follow in those celebrated shoes, even if they”re a few sizes too big right now.
Gabi Wilson, a pre-teen talent of extraordinary ability, steps on stage Sept. 23 to tape “Showtime at the Apollo,” with the eventual airing bringing national attention to Agnes and Kenny Wilson”s gifted girl.
“My superstar daughter gets to go to New York City,” grinned Gabi”s mom.
“We”re so excited.”
“Never in a million years” did Pops think he would be joining a musical offspring at the Apollo.
“You don”t ever picture your kid interested in stuff you”re into,” said Wilson, a guitarist for the local Urban Bushmen. “It”s a blessing. It”s incredible.”
Gabi, a vocalist studying guitar, bass, piano and drums, went to the July 28 “Showtime at the Apollo” auditions in Oakland, only to be turned away. Her promotional video seen by the event coordinators was enough to convince them the kid was ready for The Big Apple.
“They were like, ”She doesn”t need to audition. She”s going to New York,” `” said Agnes.
Mom and dad were far more psyched about the surprise journey, Agnes said.
“Gabi was like, ”Oh yeah, I”m performing at the Apollo,” like it was the same old thing.”
While performing at the 1,500-seat Apollo is almost a fantasy, there”s the reality of paying for it. Mom, dad and daughter will probably cost about $10,000.
Hopefully – the family crosses their collective fingers – “Showtime at the Apollo Send-Off: A Fundraiser for Gabi Wilson” will help.
The musical event Sept. 7 at the Fetterly Playhouse for the Arts features father and daughter Wilson, saxophonist/dancer Andrew Beal, and American Idol vocalists Donnie Williams and Olivia Jasmine.
“We”re just so happy a lot of people are trying to support her,” Agnes Wilson said. “Some people just want to donate money.”
Beal, a Benicia resident featured on “America”s Got Talent,” said the young Wilson “is outrageously talented. She has the heart for it and has an amazing voice. And she”s passionate about the music at such a young age.”
Though Gabi”s been to the Philippines, she”s never been east of the Mississippi in her limited U.S. travels. She can”t wait.
“I”m excited about New York because I”ve never been there,” Gabi said. “And I heard it”s really big and nice with, like my dad said, a lot of lights.”
IF YOU GO:What: ”Showtime At the Apollo Send-Off”
Where: Fetterly Playhouse for the Arts, 2467 Sonoma Blvd., No. 10, Vallejo
When: Friday, Sept. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Who: Gabi Wilson, Kenny Wilson, Donnie Williams, Olivia Jasmine, Andrew Beal
Tickets: $20
Contact: 334-7202
Though Gabi can play various instruments, the family”s been told she”ll likely only have to sing with the Apollo”s house band. Song of choice is likely “Freeway of Love,” Aretha Franklin”s 1973 hit.
Whatever the tune, it can”t help but help Gabi”s accelerated career her dad said.
“I just hope her fan base can grow and that it leads to her doing bigger and better things,” Kenny said. “It”s a stepping stone to the next level.”
Though Gabi”s unlike most kids her age – many likely can”t spell “Apollo” – her parents try to keep her “normal.”
“After school, I do my homework, then I eat,” Gabi said. “Because I”ve got to eat. Then I practice. A little bit of drums, little piano, little guitar and little bass.”
As for the tunes, she”ll learn covers to understand song structure and then shoot for originals, Kenny Wilson said.
“Even if I didn”t like the song or feel comfortable singing it, I”d maybe do it in a different key or improvise it a little,” Gabi said. “That always helps.”
Originally Published: August 31, 2007 at 12:00 AM PDT
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