A Star Spangled Story at the TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City

Recently, on an unusually chilly Saturday morning, I had the privilege of singing our National Anthem at a horse show at the beautiful TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City.  I was invited by my old friend, entrepreneur and horse person extraordinaire, Jaymie Klauber, the hospitality director.  I had no idea this extraordinary facility existed.

When I arrived at the TerraNova Equestrian Center, my reaction was a bit like Dorothy seeing Oz for the first time.  The staff and volunteers were nothing short of wonderful and were as excited to have me as I was to be there.

The Herrig family brought their vision of the ultimate horse lovers dream to fruition when they developed this unparalleled 30-million-dollar state-of-the-art center.  Surrounded by beautiful oak trees, the sprawling grounds boast 225 acres.  There are several arenas, courses, paths, permanent stalls, as well as campgrounds and temporary stables.  But wait, there’s more.

You can live on the property and build your own custom luxury estate in the exclusive gated community.

It’s hard to believe we were not far from the beaches that our town is known for.  In fact, I felt like I was in an episode of Yellowstone.

I was like a kid in a candy store.  I took lots of photos, including one of a beautiful Standard Poodle that reminded me of my own beloved Brucie Springsteen who I miss terribly.  I am probably the only one to find that ironic as his namesake’s daughter is a horse show competitor.  I did my soundcheck and secretly hoped that “the Boss” was there.  (A girl can dream.)

It’s almost show time at TerraNova.  On cue, a lovely young lady rode her horse around the ring waving an American flag.  I couldn’t help but get that feeling of pride and excitement!

Ask any singer and they will all agree, The Star-Spangled Banner is a difficult song to sing.  Staying on key and getting the lyrics correct are challenging for some.  It also takes a tremendous amount of concentration to not be distracted by the echo from the PA system.  (For kicks, Google some Superbowl past performances).

I have had a little practice throughout my life however, beginning with the obligatory grade school assembly and of course, joining along with the crowd at every sporting event.  In my adult life as a professional singer, I have had the pleasure of performing this iconic song at many different events.  One very special performance was at a dear friend’s son’s baseball themed Bar Mitzvah at Tropicana Field!

None, however, were more profound as when I got up the nerve to try out for a major league baseball spring training game.  (Singing the anthem, not playing).  I channeled my inner Whitney Houston, who in my opinion is unparalleled, and gave THE BEST performance of this song ever.  I felt good about my audition and despite the applause and positive reaction, I never heard back.

Rejection is something every entertainer deals with on a constant basis.  You try as best you can to shake it off, but sometimes those feelings can really destroy your confidence.  This was one of those times.  I felt I should just not do that again.

Au contraire.

Just as rejection can play havoc with your confidence, so can positive affirmation.  Not long after my Star-Spangled disappointment, I was working at a boutique when one of the judges who was at that audition came in.  She recognized me right away.  She apologized profusely and explained what had happened.  She said I came so close to being chosen although she really went to bat for me (pun intended), she was ultimately overruled as the powers that be thought I was just a little too rock and roll!  Imagine that!

A few months later she called me to say she was now working for a different major league team and really wanted me to sing the anthem at a game.  No audition needed.  And not just any game.  It would be the game against the team who rejected me!  Many lessons were learned from this experience.  It gave me back the confidence I needed to sing the song in public once again.

It is a true honor to sing the Star-Spangled Banner.  I am absolutely delighted that the folks at TerraNova have asked me back for another show in February.  Come see for yourself!  Spectators are welcome as the equestrian center is open to the public.  General admission and parking are free.  You can bring your kids and your well-socialized dogs who must be on leashes.  (The dogs that is).  There are VIP packages available which include a catered buffet and access to the exclusive VIP pavilion.

Oh, and Bruce, if you show up, I’ll be the one on the field with the mic.

For information, please visit Terra Nova Equestrian

Sheri Nadelman Photos

Sheri Nadelman is an accomplished musician, nature photographer and a frequent contributor to the Suncoast Post.
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www.sherinadelman.com