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Thursday, April 2, 2015

"B" is for "Braswellians"

Who needs March Madness when you have Alphabet April and the A-Z Challenge?


 
My theme revolves around the soon-to-be published memoir I wrote for opera singer, Donald Braswell.
 
 
B is for "Braswellians."
 
After completing research into what would become REVIVAL: The Donald Braswell Story, one of the neatest things I discovered was the Donald Braswell International Fan Club.

Members call themselves Braswellians and the grass-roots club started in 2008 when a few folks communicated - and later became friends - via an online chat group that followed Donald's weekly progress on America’s Got Talent.
Braswellians continue to support Donald at all his live performances, and they identify themselves by wearing the club symbol, which is the yellow rose of Texas.
 
Donald Braswell II
 
Thanks to the NBC, which syndicated AGT around the world, members of the fan club live in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces as well as nearly forty countries.

One unique member is a young Iranian video producer. Alireza Zamani, who was only seventeen when he produced a jaw-dropping YouTube video based around Donald's original song, We Are The Same You and I.

Braswellians continue to gather every year in San Antonio for a traditional weekend of fun and laughter that's always highlighted by Donald putting on a special performance for his most loyal fans.

"Having the chance to relax and hear the most recent adventures of the Braswellians is a much-anticipated highlight of my annual calendar," said Donald. "They may call themselves fans, but I call them family—who never left nor stopped believing in me."

 
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Tomorrow: C is for Courageous - vignettes of Don's battle from silence to the stage.

 

17 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

How lovely. And I love his comment about his fans feeling like family. He sounds like a very special person.

Annalisa Crawford said...

He doesn't seem to have got swept up with celebrity, and his fan club sound awesome!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Mark - now you're on the mainland - perhaps you can get down there one time ... what an interesting life .. fascinating to read about - cheers Hilary

Unknown said...

I didn't know they had fan clubs anymore--love the connection they bring.

Suzi said...

Is there a Mark Koopman's fan club? Cause I bet that'd be a fun one to join. Lots of cool people.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Wouldn't that be cool to have your own fan club like that?

Robin said...

That's pretty awesome. Can you imagine having a fan club? Me either.

Anonymous said...

That's cool. My mom would probably love to be in a club like that.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Wow, what a fan club. So cool how world-wide they are.

Jo said...

Incredible fan club. Has he read your memoir?

Silvia Writes said...

So young and talented, the video producer. No to mention he is someone who appreciates his fan base. Great story. Thank you.
Silvia @
Beautiful. I would very much enjoy the bird watching. How serene it must be, listening to the bird song and thinking back to the history of the place, however short.
Silvia @
Silvia Writes

David P. King said...

International fan club? That's huge! :)

Al Diaz said...

What a beautiful voice! It's the first time I hear him sing and that song is also beautiful. I think Mr. Braswell might have win a dragon among his fans. :)

Jo said...

So where did you hear him Al?

Jo said...

I went on Youtube and listened to several of his recordings. Excellent voice.

Bevimus said...

My favorite thing about that entire story is Donald's comment about his fans. No wonder you chose to write a memoir about him- great subject!

Lisa said...

That video was stunning, and moving. And he wrote that? What a brave young man Alireza Zamani is and how wonderful Donald worked with him on the video. Lisa, co-host AtoZ 2015, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com

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