I first heard her sing – and what a voice she has – at one of the car shows four years ago. I was very impressed and totally hooked by the end of her second song.
Carly was already an awarding-winning performer at that time, having won the junior vocal solo contest for girls at the Marion County Fair four times. She also competed at placed at the Indiana State Fair.
A few years ago she performed the national anthem before the Indianapolis Colts’ game at Lucas Oil Stadium and received many wonderful reviews. I remember my cold chills as I watched her on television. We recorded it and watched it several times. It can be seen on Facebook or YouTube.
Carly and her family moved to Nashville, Tenn., over the summer so that Carly will have the opportunity to grow her music talents. Stuart, my therapy dog, and I stopped at her family home in Beech Grove to see them off and wish them well.
I am Facebook friends with Carly and her mother, and it’s nice to know that things are going well for them. Carly and her family will be back in Indianapolis to celebrate her 16th birthday this weekend. It sure seems like she should be older than 16 with everything she has accomplished.
For those who haven’t heard her sing, she will celebrate her birthday by performing from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the Greenwood Stacked Pickle, 172 Melody Ave. Carly’s mom told me that Carly has started writing songs ... maybe we will hear a couple of them.
Stuart and I went over to Beech Grove High School Saturday to help send off the band as it was on its way to Lucas Oil Fieldhouse for the state band competition. The Hornets finished fifth.
While waiting for the police escort for the buses, I chatted with Mayor Dennis Buckley for a few minutes. I told him about Carly performing at the Stacked Pickle for her birthday, and he told me to tell the family hello.
I hope to see lots of friends Saturday evening; it should be a special time.
Shonk is a 1960 graduate of Southport High School, a ’63 grad of Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis) and a retired bus driver from Beech Grove Schools.