James Bay's Rising Stars!

By Doreen Marion Gee

On March 10, I got a glimpse of genuine untamed raw talent - the kind that makes the hair stand up at the back of your neck. It was the first time for a Saturday version of Open Mike night at James Bay Coffee and Books. Being my first time at this event, I couldn't have known what treats were in store for me.

Tee Jay (Terrence J. Groom) was the premier performer. His ukulele playing was nothing short of brilliant and magical. It was a riveting performance by a master musician. Tee Jay played everything from sentimental oldies to pop and country and even Van Halen. The audience was spellbound with his wild virtuoso ukulele playing, jumping and dancing. He was a ball of fury and energy. Tee Jay has just cut his first album, "Better Here Than Nowhere." His CD Release party and performance will be at the Abkhazi Gardens on March 31, 2012.

There were other talented performers on March 10. Towards the end of the evening, a young unassuming girl went up to perform. Julia Ciriaco did a mellow soft rendition of a Karen Carpenter song with the voice of a skylark, pure sweet and exquisite. But when she used the microphone, Julia blew the roof off of the old building. She had an awesome powerful voice that took everyone by surprise. That kind of talent comes around rarely.

Both TeeJay and Julia have a bright future. They are stars in the making.

You heard it here first!

Contact TeeJay: 250.634.7589 Email: teejayrocksvictoria@gmail.com.  

Contact Julia Ciriaco: 250.508.0143 Email: juliaelyon@yahoo.com