PAGE 10, WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5,1990 Siging hobby snowballed into big time for Lee Ann Allison LAEE ANN ALLISON Art show in Newcastle Art works by Mauneen Edwarde and Ernest Jenner of Whitby wiil be shown at the Newcastle municipal building, i Bowmanville, until Jan. 7. Tlhe exhibition, 'An Intermix- ture of Original Paintings,' began Dec. 4. CUT Edwards' works were recently chosen to be part of the juried art ghow at the Visual Arts Centre in> Bowmanvilie. Works by both Edwards and Jenner were part of the juried arts show at The Station Gallery, with Edwards earning an honorable mention. IT When le e Ann Allison was agfe 7 she used to sing around t e house. Now, 12 years later, she's heading for Nashville for a recording session and a tour of the Grande Oie Opry. «It seems like something l'y. been waiting for ail my life, says the Whitby woman who's learned neyer to say neyer, and hopes some day for a chance to uing at the Opry. «J started ingig to soft rock like Olivia Nwo John," says Allison. «It was more -1ke a hob but I was taxking it seri- ously. It snowbalied from there" Alhison says she started sing- ing before live audiences wheÎn she was 16. Today, she feels the biggr the audience, the better. oe experienoed her firat recording session in> 1987 and pressed her first single entitled «You're Just a Memory,» written by Brian Twaites of Oshawa. «It did reaily well in> Canada and in Europe," says Allison. I got letters and comments on-my vocals saeng that 1 had a future in mnusic. Last year she did a second recording session at Inception Sound Studios in> Toronto and made two sixngles with producer Ron Dan, Mfy Mother' Eyes,' and 'If You Love Me.' 'If You Love Me' was third in> a competition on CHOO radio. '«My Mother's Eyesd charted sixth ix> France," says Allison. Today, Allison performesamali gigs iocaly. Sh. was anxiously waiting for her Nashviie trip this month, hoping it wiii be a signifi- cant break in what is a very tou h business. See cently met with Gary Buck, president of the Country Music H ail of Fame ix> Waterloo. Hie is producing her Nashville session. Ailison bides her time by work- ing psrt-time in> a daycare centre and s.pending the rest of her time working on her music. "Once this recordinoe session i. OUT! GIFT CERTIFICATE This Certifleate is worth $5 off any fooc' purchased at Casey's. So corne on down and join in the party. There's alwaysi something cooking at Casey's. Present youri coupon to server at time of ordening. Not vaIidi in conjunction with any other coupon. Only one coupon per person per visit. No cash value. Offer vaiid only at Casey's. 1 100 Dundas Street, F1 DO LA S MWhitby. 666-3300, until December 31. 1990. fmnisheçd, I may look at doing it full timne.» Being a fuli-time singer is a big commitment, costly and in-. volves lots of travel. Allison i. prepared to give what it takes. "I hope to travel across Canada and get exposure. The States and Europe wouid be the next step." 1Although thrilled with her opportunities so, fan, ultimately, Allison would like to sign up with a major record company. She satys she has grreat suppr frmhrfamily. Her brothers Jamie and Peter play guitar aithough they're concentrating their efforts on hockey right now. Singers from whom Allison gets inspiration are 0Olivia New- ton John, Elvis, George Jones and the Judds. 'II like a wide variety of dif- ferent music. I have been told I have a good range. I can go about four octaves." Allison describes her voice as having a soft quality, and one which can be mellow,, but also powerful. Her message to others who have a dream, is to pursue it. «Even if there are a lot of ups and downs. Don't let anything sway you. If you realiy want something out of life -go for itno matr what it is. garlic JOIN US ON FRIDAY 1 -. DECEMBER 7TH AT 9PM 1~ FOR OUR SING-A-LONG 112 Coiborne St. E., Whitby 666-3034 Suipport Christmias Seals... For cleaner air and heaithier people. It's getting better ail the time. THEt LU NG ASSOCIATION FrBe ter or For W<j.' ..Inn Jihn-qin 197 Unt r..II're- Sndiur,-AI I rnvi, vht.,'.