Kansas City releases music star, David Vanlandingham

David Vanlandingham & Andy Wheeler, photo by Debra Lawrence

David Vanlandingham, 20, won the grand prize at the 7th competition of the Heart of America Talent Contest, held at The Center for God, Family and Country in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Competitions ran from 24 October 2009 – 16 January 2010. Vanlandingham's winning performance was Creator of My Heart, music and lyrics by Randy Bonifield. Andy Wheeler accompanied on drums. The competition lasted four hours and included thirty-two competitors.

Vanlandingham states,“I would say first and foremost my faith in God, and His unknown plan is the number one thing that got me where I am today! I just moved to Kansas City from Bedford, Indiana. God opened a huge door of opportunity for me to get into youth ministry in Independence, Missouri at the Salvation Army. I am the youth and outreach minister there now, and love it so much! What is so great is that five months later, He used that door of youth ministry not only to bring me here for the kids, but now to do my life long dream, music ministry! Just like the song I sang on the night of the finals say's, God is the creator of our souls, and He is the only one that can make us whole!”

The Center was designed to be a nondenominational Christian community center. It's founder, Steven Paul McCollum, has a vision of God using The Center as a platform for young people to release the anointed gifts that God has blessed them with. McCollum's vision became a reality for David Vanlandingham.

Vanlandingham offers encouragement to aspiring young artists,“God created our souls, and with that complex thing called a soul that's in each one of us, He also placed a dream, a passion, and a gift of some kind. The biggest passion in my soul is simply to glorify Christ's name through music, and that's all that was done on that Saturday afternoon when I won. Because I was faithful to His call, even though I was nine hours away from home, and even though it was my first step out into ministry, and even though I knew it was going to be so hard, God showed me,if I stick it out no matter how hard it gets, He will bless me. Well, He is definitely doing that!”

Click here to visit the Official David Vanlaningham's web site

Open Division Grand prize package:

• Guest appearance on the Joey Riley Comedy & Music Review at the Mickey Gilley Theater in Branson
• Two-night weekend Branson getaway for four including Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show and Titanic
• 3 song master quality recording session at McAtee Audio/Video Studio
• Front page article in the Lee's Summit Tribune
• Radio interview on KCWJ (1030 The Light) Radio
• Guest appearance on the Steven Paul McCollum Show/Dinner Theater
• HOA Contest Grand Prize Trophy

2nd Place - Mike Lusareta, 15, vocal - Cry Me a River

Prize package:

• $150 Guitar Center gift certificate
• Brady School of Music guitar lessons for one month
• Front page article in the Lee's Summit Tribune
• HOA Talent Contest Trophy

3rd Place - Dane Sackrider, 22, vocal/guitar – Home

Prize package:

• $100 cash
• Front page article in the Lee's Summit Tribune
• HOA Talent Contest Trophy

Sponsors

The Heart of America Talent Contest would not be possible if not for the generous donation of prizes by:

• Joey Riley Comedy & Music in Branson
• Mickey Gilley Theater in Branson
• Vacations Made Easy
• McAtee Audio/Video Studio
• Lee's Summit Tribune
• KCWJ Radio – 1030 The Light
• Guitar Center
• Brandy School of Music

Events at The Center for God, Family, and Country:

Christian Country music star, Steven Paul McCollum founded The Center under the direction of the Holy Spirit. McCollum envisions The Center as a gathering place for believers across the Kansas City metro. The following is a list of regular events at this non-denominational Christian community center:

• Dinner theater, featuring Steven Paul McCollum
• Sunday morning non-denominational worship
• Fellowship & Bible study
• HOA Talent Contest
• Line dance lessons
• Community dances
• Singles dances
• City wide fellowship

Become a star in Kansas City

The next Contest begins 23 January 2010: Semi-Finals 2:00 pm on 1/30, 2/13, 2/27, 3/13, 3/27, 4/10 with the Finals at 1:00 pm on April 24. Sign up

• To view video of Tanner Qualls' 1^st place performance click here
• To view video of Willa Walberg's 1st place performance click here

To learn more about The Center for God, Family and Country click here

Comments about this article are welcome.

Photographs by Debra Lawrence with Abundant Moments

Youtube video taken by Lee Kelly with RFM and AirDigital Recording Inc.

More articles on The Center for God, Family and Country:

Upcoming music star, Willa Walberg, wins 1st place at The Heart of America Talent Contest

Tanner Qualls' award winning performance at HOA Talent Contest

Christian Country music star, Steven Paul McCollum, opens community center in Lee's Summit

Youngest contestant captures hearts and 1^st place at Christian community center