Fans of entertainer Donald Braswell II, came to San Antonio from across the country and Mexico to attend their Club's 5th anniversary event last weekend. They had an ice-breaker on Friday, September 27, 2013, a dinner/concert on Saturday; and a brunch on Sunday.
After all the out-of-towners arrived on September 27, 2013, they joined other San Antonians for dinner at TGI Friday's, then adjourned to the Doubletree Hotel to catch up. The spanish colonial architecture of the DoubleTree is a throwback to grander days. The five floors of rooms surround a beautiful courtyard that feels more like a country manor than a city hotel.
The next day they met at Luciano's Cafe to have dinner and the show in a private room. This event marked the 5th year since Braswell's competition on America's Got Talent in 2008, so AGT was the theme of the evening.
While eating, the videos of Donald's performances on the show were played on a big screen TV. Those performances have been watched so often on YouTube that members have them memorized. The cake was a hit with an edible photo of him singing Music of the Night on AGT.
Dinner was followed by the concert. A couple of long-time members couldn't attend due to personal crisis, so they were called on phones so they could listen. This is the beauty of the Club. Members have bonded.
Braswell took everyone through his experience on AGT, one song at a time. His original audition of “You Raise Me Up” was where most fans were introduced to the singer in 2008.
When he sang “Lost”, the judges sent him home and the song was never aired, which enraged the fans. They managed to bring him back to the show as a wild card. This weekend's concert was the first time he had performed “Lost” since AGT and the first time fans were able hear it. Of course they still disagree with the judges.
“Music of the Night” has become a staple of most of his concerts. No one can hold a candle to his rendition. He was brought to tears, taking others with him, when he explained that he had dedicated “To Where You Are” to his beloved grandmother.
He kept everyone in stitches with his hilarious imitations of Piers Morgan, Sharon Osborn, David Hasslehoff and Jerry Springer. Osborn certainly had it wrong when she said he had no personality. He oozes charisma and no one can play a buffoon better. He kept the audience entranced with his stories.
The only disappointment of the day was the concert coming to an end. Braswell had to leave for another performance with his daughter Aria at a Red Cross annual fundraising Gala. The irony is that the featured speaker there was Al Roker. During AGT Braswell was interviewed on the Today Show (where Al Roker is a host). Later some members gathered again at the hotel courtyard for more fun and frolic.
The next morning Braswell and his family joined everyone for brunch at the Cascabel Restaurant. The most frequent comment was how everyone had seen his very talented girls grow up so much over the last five years. Aria is now winning her own awards and performing in her high school musicals.
As each person left, the comments centered on next year and the 6th anniversary. It can't come too soon for them all.
