A Diva, A Soul Sister, A Major Twirler - Laurice Lanier and Now the World is Her Stage

Laurice with friend and supporter, Patsy Camp

Laurice with her beloved accompanist, Dr. Don Huneycutt

Laurice and Demetrius

“If you look inside Lanier, you will find a small hole that would somehow be connected to God’s walkie-talkie”.

Eric Reszynak, The Rochester City Newspaper

The Party after the Show
Once upon a time a little girl was born in a small southern town, one of a house full, but this little girl was born with a gift and her mama knew it. Not only did she have a bright light in her eyes and a smile as big as Texas, she had a voice that was meant to be heard.

As a little girl, she had always pretended that she performing on stage; singing to the world, all the while never leaving her room. She grew up singing and playing the piano at the small church her father pastored. When a high school music teacher heard that voice, she recognized it for what it was. That teacher mentored, taught and encouraged her student, Laurice Lanier of Jackson TN, to pursue her dreams. The people in town begin to hear of her miraculous voice and the members of First United Methodist Church took Laurice as one of their own. Sundays she would sing in the choir and the members of the church took a personal interest in her welfare.

Finally she was ready for the big day and her application was made to Juilliard, which is one of the most prestigious arts conservatories in the world. Only about 8% of the applicants are accepted and as you might well imagine, it’s extremely competitive. Laurice’s audition tape was sent and the wait began along with plenty of prayers.

The call came and Laurice was granted a live audition before the staff. Never having spent much time away from home, this was a major step for a high school student. Off to New York to the Lincoln Center she went with dream in hand. When those on the admissions board heard that voice, they called their associates and then asked Laurice to repeat her performance. They knew they had just heard one of the most powerful and versatile voices to ever apply.

That little girl with the huge voice and bigger heart moved to New York and in four years graduated from The Juilliard. She married her best friend, has her own little girl with a big voice, has traveled the world, won many awards over the last few years and now is starring in Three Mo’ Divas. She took a break from the tour to return home this weekend for a performance to raise money for the homeless of our community.

I was there for her senior concert at the Lincoln Center; I was there when she performed at galas, for disadvantaged children, the Governor, and in churches throughout the Mid-South; I was on the front row Saturday night when she sang to raise money for those who live in cardboard boxes. Afterwards we had time to visit and laugh a bit at a little party in her honor. Her precious husband Demetrius now understands “twirling” has nothing to do with a baton! She has star power and now the world is truly her stage. Laurice Lanier is my soul sister and I will always be in her corner and I am so proud of the grand diva she has become, inside and out! BRAVO!

Diva Chicken

Of course, it's divalicious!
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 3 1/2-pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup dry white wine
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence or dried thyme, crumbled
1 small jar sliced mushrooms
3/4 cup crumbled Roquefort cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
Chives, chopped loosely for garnish
Chop fresh garlic. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream, wine, garlic, mushrooms and herbes de Provence. Cover and simmer until chicken is tender and cooked through, turning once, about 30 minutes. Transfer chicken to platter. Boil cooking liquid in skillet until reduced to sauce consistency, about 5 minutes. Add cheese and whisk until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Season generously with pepper. Pour sauce over chicken. Garnish with chives and serve.
The herbes de Provence used in this recipe is a blend of dried marjoram, thyme, summer savory, basil, rosemary, fennel seeds and lavender—is typically found in the cooking of southern France.
Visit with Laurice at http://lauricelanier.com/

Enjoy this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mEqUwxTqEw

For more Tasty Tuesday visit http://beautyandbedlam.com/

For more Tuesdays at the Table visithttp://allthesmallstuff-cole.blogspot.com/
For more Tempt My Tummy Tuesday visit http://blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com/
For more Wordful Wednesdays visit http://angiescircus.blogspot.com/