By Steve Paradis
Herald Correspondent
The head of Surrealist Entertainment, which produces Showtime in Sanford, had nothing but praise for the June 19, Juneteenth, winner Mitessa Jones, who put it all together to win the $500 first prize for the standing room only crowd at the Woman’s Club of Sanford.
“Mitessa was flawless in every category,” said Lawrence Gordon, aka Calico the Surrealist. Jones enjoyed a unanimous decision, including a 108.1 reading on the audience meter.
“She had perfect song selection, graceful stage appearance, excellent commentary for audience engagement gifting folks with Juneteenth items, top notch singing skills that filled the entire venue,” said Calico in describing Jones’ performance on social media.
Jones started with a song about change and followed a simply professional version of “At Last,” originally written for the musical “Sun Valley Serenade,” but made famous by the soulful Etta James.
During her performance, Jones walked down the stage steps and tossed Juneteenth bracelets to audience members.
Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, commemorates the day in 1865 when union soldiers told enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, that they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.
Other artists celebrated Juneteenth in their performances including Melinda Blou Note Daniel, who sang “How Many,” and singer Kionna, who wore a yellow Juneteenth T-shirt.
Coming in second place on June 19 were singer Ahmad. Finishing third was crowd favorite LaCoya, who traveled through the audience with her colorful outfit and saxophone playing that got people out of their seats.
Both Ahmad and LaCoya will appear with Mitessa in the season finale in December to try to win the $1,000 grand prize.
The Lake Mary Bilingual Academy was the platinum sponsor for the June 19 show. Director Adriana Bonilla and Academy owner Gisela Perez presented the $500 cash prize.
After the show, Jones told the Herald that she will put the money toward new recording and a new show she is working on. Both are expected to come out in the fall. They are a tribute to a very well-known artist, but, with a smile, Jones said she could not reveal any more right now.
She does have a new single out. She can be found on social media and on Instagram under @Sings4Love.
The Fine Line band kept the audience active during breaks in the show. They have also become a crowd favorite and can be found online and in concert at local venues. Filomena’s also served some terrific pizza. The business at 350 E. Seminole Blvd., in Sanford, also hosts a Stand-Up Comedy Show produced by Surrealist Entertainment.
Other sponsors of Showtime include Barr Construction, the Sanford Herald, Mooyah’s and Yellow Door Realty.
The next Showtime for Season V is set for Sept. 18 at the Woman’s Club of Sanford, 309 S. Oak Avenue in Sanford. The top three from that and the other two events will then compete in December’s finale.
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Photos submitted by Christopher Gray, Surrealist Entertainment
Caption:
The 10 artists and members of Surrealist Entertainment pose after Thursday nights second show of Season V of Showtime in Sanford. Miteesa Jones won the night with a beautiful performance of Etta James’ “At Last."
Miteesa Jones, center with money, receives the winning first prize at the June 19 Showtime in Sanford. She poses with, from left, Surrealist Entertainment’s Aunti Hillary; CEO Calico tha Surrealist; Adriana Bonilla, director of platinum sponsor Lake Mary Bilingual Academy; Miiteesa; Gisela Perez, owner of the Academy; and Jay Love, host of Showtime.
Miteesa Jones performed two songs to take first place in the second Showtime in Sanford event for Season V.
