We enjoyed an incredible year of ups and downs, starts and stops, and eventually positive momentum and courage that inevitably brought about some exciting successes for Kismet. We will always look back at 2010 as our year of rebirth, growth, and firsts for the three of us.
In 2010 we decided to be brave and began planning our first concert. People who had heard us sing had been asking when it would happen. The encouragement of one of our sweet friends convinced us to try. Stepping away from the sacred music we were accustomed to singing for local LDS Church services, we expanded our portfolio and brought together our different styles and likes to create a set list we thought would be enjoyed by any audience member. It was in the beginnings of our concert plans that we settled on the name KISMET. A name Crystal had found and suggested, Jan and Brandy loved it immediately! Before - a singing group, Now - KISMET! Rebirth
The fire was lit! We went into full, long, and productive rehearsals. It started to feel real when we had our pictures done. (Thank you again Candace) Then we faced: encountering fatigue, battling fear and criticism, balancing family and Kismet, dealing with dissapointment, then recognizing miracles and opportunities one after another. The night of the concert came and as we performed, we were cheered on by our close friends, family, and some fans we didn't even know we had. WE had done it!
We immediately turned our rehearsal time to preparing a Christmas program to be performed for a few LDS Relief Society dinners. We recognize that this slowed down the KISMET momentum as far as becoming more well known and working on our own original and cover songs for future concerts. But for us as individuals and as a group, singing sacred music keeps us centered and reminds us that we are blessed, not only that Jan had put us together, but that we had stuck together over the years. Even as some hard times for our group hit, we three remained committed to singing together. And that commitment and faith has brought us here. Growth
In 2010, Jan heard herself on a playback for the first time. Finally, she could know first hand what her audience was hearing, and began to recognize her gifts. Crystal, for the first time, shared her beautiful, original songs. Not just with the members of KISMET, but with our audience and fans as well. Brandy, a long time stage performer, for the first time felt like she had found her place in that world of performance. With friends who helped to strengthen her love for music. Together, we had a name, got pictures done, sang whatever style we wanted to, performed entire set lists, sang with a sound system and lighting, and did it all professionally and with a lot of HEART. Firsts
(But definitely not lasts!) Here's to what may come in 2011!
