Vital StatsAge: 29.
Instruments: My main instrument would be voice, but I also play piano and guitar.
Band: Minister Theory.
Musical resume: After graduation from Spruce Creek High in 1998, I began my studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston.I had the privilege of performing and working with some of the greatest musicians of our time while attending Berklee. Many of the names you can find on the charts, on television appearances and in CD stores across the world. I was a record-breaking eight time performer in the infamous Singers Showcase.
I had the opportunity to perform on the stage of the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, N.Y. My two-time win in the competition allowed me to go back and perform several times.
In the spring of 2002, I graduated from Berklee with a bachelor's degree in music for performance.
Day job: I teach private vocal and piano instruction at the Cuchetti School of Music/Indian River Institute in the Pappas Plaza in New Smyrna Beach. I also cantor at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.
Hometown: Detroit.
Current residence: New Smyrna Beach.
Type of music you perform: I do it all. From rock, pop, jazz,
country to blues, funk, soul and classical. I have so many different
influences, so it comes out in my plethora of styles.
Repertoire sampler: Some of my originals are "Walk Away," "Beautiful Life," "Pure," "Walking the Streets of LA," "Transaction" and "The Game." Some of the songs I cover are "At Last," "Whole Lotta Love" and "When Doves Cry."
Upcoming area gigs: My brother Tony (who is also in Minister Theory) and I play an acoustic duo from 8 p.m. to midnight every Thursday at the Flagler Tavern in New Smyrna Beach. All of our duo and band gigs can be found on our Web site or MySpace pages.
CDs: My solo CD is available by contacting me at gige79@aol.com. A few of the tracks included are "At Last," "Autumn Leaves," "Summertime" and "Send in the Clowns."
Minister Theory's newest self-titled CD is available at Cuchetti School of Music located in the Pappas Plaza off U.S. 1 in New Smyrna Beach, and at Heath's Natural Foods on the beachside.
Minister Theory's first CD, "Beautiful Life," is available at cdbaby.com or iTunes.com.
Web sites: ministertheory.com, myspace.com/ministertheory, sonicbids.com/ministertheory.
Taking Notes
Who or what inspired you to take up music?
I was raised by two very musical parents, so I suppose it was just always innately in me to play music. My first years were spent traveling on the road with my family, playing music and performing for a living. During elementary and high school, I was always involved in music.
I always had the passion and the desire to have music be my life, my career. I think my God-given abilities have inspired me to use my gifts as well. He has truly shown me what he wants me to do, and that is to sing. So many of my favorite artists and musicians have inspired me to continue on my trek as well.
Is Minister Theory a Christian band?
Minister Theory is a band that is composed of Christians. I wouldn't technically say we are categorized solely as a "Christian band," but Christians and all other denominations alike have been drawn to our music, and love it equally as much. We just try to get good sounding music, true-to-life lyrics and a positive message out there to all.
What was most memorable about your performance on "Showtime at the Apollo"?
I think just being there in the presence of all the music legends who have ever performed on that stage was a feeling I could never explain. Also, performing with the house band was amazing! They were all brilliant musicians.
What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?
The most unusual gig was a radio broadcast Minister Theory did. We had no idea what we were getting into. The dialogue throughout the show was a little racier than we thought! I think my jaw was dropped the entire evening. But we just did our thing, played our music, and got a great response. So you never know why God puts you in certain situations.
What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?
Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II would definitely be two people I would like to have dinner with. They would inspire me to be humble, and remember the true reason why it is I am singing.
I would also like to sit with Eva Cassidy and Jeff Buckley. Their lives were cut short at such a young age, and I would ask them where they saw themselves now if they were still alive. I would want to experience their music for as long as possible.
What was the last book you read?
I am reading "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold. Great book!
What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?
I make a lot of mixed CDs so that I can have the best of all musical worlds. I have been listening to a lot of Ray Lamontagne, Ours and Damien Rice lately.
What is your favorite movie?
That's a really tough one. I would probably have to say "Once."
What was the best concert you ever attended?
I would probably have to say Ours at Jack Rabbits in Jacksonville a couple of years ago. I was at their concert the night before in Orlando, and a friend of mine asked the lead singer if I came to the show the next night, could I get up and sing with him. He agreed, but I honestly didn't believe he would remember.
He did! So I got to get up and sang with Jimmy Gnecco, one of my favorite singers of all time.
"If I didn't play music, I would ... ":
Be a cosmetologist or pharmacist. I know, two totally opposite professions. I would also love to work as a missionary.
"I'd sell my soul for ...":
Nothing or no one! My soul belongs to God, my maker, and by his grace, my soul will have a home with him after this life!
Repertoire sampler: Some of my originals are "Walk Away," "Beautiful Life," "Pure," "Walking the Streets of LA," "Transaction" and "The Game." Some of the songs I cover are "At Last," "Whole Lotta Love" and "When Doves Cry."
Upcoming area gigs: My brother Tony (who is also in Minister Theory) and I play an acoustic duo from 8 p.m. to midnight every Thursday at the Flagler Tavern in New Smyrna Beach. All of our duo and band gigs can be found on our Web site or MySpace pages.
CDs: My solo CD is available by contacting me at gige79@aol.com. A few of the tracks included are "At Last," "Autumn Leaves," "Summertime" and "Send in the Clowns."
Minister Theory's newest self-titled CD is available at Cuchetti School of Music located in the Pappas Plaza off U.S. 1 in New Smyrna Beach, and at Heath's Natural Foods on the beachside.
Minister Theory's first CD, "Beautiful Life," is available at cdbaby.com or iTunes.com.
Web sites: ministertheory.com, myspace.com/ministertheory, sonicbids.com/ministertheory.
Taking Notes
Who or what inspired you to take up music?
I was raised by two very musical parents, so I suppose it was just always innately in me to play music. My first years were spent traveling on the road with my family, playing music and performing for a living. During elementary and high school, I was always involved in music.
I always had the passion and the desire to have music be my life, my career. I think my God-given abilities have inspired me to use my gifts as well. He has truly shown me what he wants me to do, and that is to sing. So many of my favorite artists and musicians have inspired me to continue on my trek as well.
Is Minister Theory a Christian band?
Minister Theory is a band that is composed of Christians. I wouldn't technically say we are categorized solely as a "Christian band," but Christians and all other denominations alike have been drawn to our music, and love it equally as much. We just try to get good sounding music, true-to-life lyrics and a positive message out there to all.
What was most memorable about your performance on "Showtime at the Apollo"?
I think just being there in the presence of all the music legends who have ever performed on that stage was a feeling I could never explain. Also, performing with the house band was amazing! They were all brilliant musicians.
What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?
The most unusual gig was a radio broadcast Minister Theory did. We had no idea what we were getting into. The dialogue throughout the show was a little racier than we thought! I think my jaw was dropped the entire evening. But we just did our thing, played our music, and got a great response. So you never know why God puts you in certain situations.
What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?
Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II would definitely be two people I would like to have dinner with. They would inspire me to be humble, and remember the true reason why it is I am singing.
I would also like to sit with Eva Cassidy and Jeff Buckley. Their lives were cut short at such a young age, and I would ask them where they saw themselves now if they were still alive. I would want to experience their music for as long as possible.
What was the last book you read?
I am reading "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold. Great book!
What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?
I make a lot of mixed CDs so that I can have the best of all musical worlds. I have been listening to a lot of Ray Lamontagne, Ours and Damien Rice lately.
What is your favorite movie?
That's a really tough one. I would probably have to say "Once."
What was the best concert you ever attended?
I would probably have to say Ours at Jack Rabbits in Jacksonville a couple of years ago. I was at their concert the night before in Orlando, and a friend of mine asked the lead singer if I came to the show the next night, could I get up and sing with him. He agreed, but I honestly didn't believe he would remember.
He did! So I got to get up and sang with Jimmy Gnecco, one of my favorite singers of all time.
"If I didn't play music, I would ... ":
Be a cosmetologist or pharmacist. I know, two totally opposite professions. I would also love to work as a missionary.
"I'd sell my soul for ...":
Nothing or no one! My soul belongs to God, my maker, and by his grace, my soul will have a home with him after this life!
Nice Spotlight on Gina...but that video and the Horror lights.....eeeeaaa
Should have used this video.
Minister Theory - Small Steps