May 4, 2025
Jordan Rice, Ramona Jones, Dr. Janice Neal-Vincent, Dana RIce and Jessica Neal backstage at Big Dreams Concert 2025
When I tell people that I’m from Mississippi, the reaction is usually one of discomfort or curiosity and confusion as to how to respond. This is usually because their knowledge of Mississippi is limited to what they’ve seen in movies rather than from real life connections to the numerous creative geniuses that the state produces. Well, just before Mother’s Day - right outside of Atlanta an unsuspecting audience experienced firsthand some of Mississippi’s magnificence that was on a level so high some may even accuse the performers of Ego Tripping but dare I say - as the prolific poet Nikki Giovanni said - maybe there’s a reason for it. Over the next couple of hours we would experience a stage full of not only Atlanta’s best, but also some of Mississippi’s best.
At exactly 5pm the theater lights began to dim, signaling the audience to settle down. Suddenly the sound of a whistle summoned the curtain to rise and reveal The Dream Keys, a 3 piece keyboard band, playing “Get Ready” by The Temptations in the style of Jackson State University’s marching band, The Sonic Boom of the South. It was hard for the audience to believe their eyes as they watched these keyboards sound like a tuba, euphonium and flute. With that, the annual celebration of the arts known as Big Dreams Concert began. 12 years ago, I founded Big Dreams Concert to highlight up and coming young talent in metro Atlanta, GA who study with me at Dana Rice Music’s FAME Studio. Since then, the concert’s reach has grown to have participants and attendees from multiple states. We’ve even had attendees fly in from as far as Kenya. In addition to Big Dreams Atlanta, in the last two years we’ve also done Big Dreams Concert in Limon, Costa Rica.
Preparation for Big Dreams takes place throughout the year and ramps up in the weeks leading up to the show. Friends from all parts of the entertainment industry help prepare the young performers. This year JSU Band alumna, Ms. Shameka Woods (Class of ’99) and a current band member Ms. Zen Stewart (Class of 2026) did a Q&A with performers to share tips for dealing with things like stage fright and preparedness. Encounters like this raise students’ excitement and focus, which translates boldly on stage.
Each year students ages 4 - adult who study piano and voice in Dana Rice Music’s FAME Studio have the opportunity to perform on stage with professional artists to showcase their talent. A unique but little known aspect of the concert is that none of the student performers undergo an audition process to get in the program. People are often shocked to learn that we’re working with students solely based on their desire to learn music. We use this desire to help them discover their gifts regardless of skill level. Most of the students have no prior training or very little when they come. Another unique aspect of the program is that it is self funded- meaning it’s not supported by a non-profit or major grants and there is no full time staff. This is a completely grassroots production fueled by lesson fees, ticket sales, individual sponsorships, and volunteers.
Throughout the show, student pianists and vocalists wowed the audience with hit after hit. A hallmark of the annual event is a guest artist (or two) who utilize varied art forms. This year was exceptional in that there was a heavy Mississippi presence. The two guest artists, Jessica Neal and Dr. Janice Neal-Vincent, are both of Jackson, MS. Ms. Jessica Neal began miming as a teenager at New Horizon Church’s Messengers of Christ Mime Ministry. Anyone in attendance who expected a recital soon realized that they were in for so much more, particularly when Ms. Neal closed out the first half of the show with her mime presentation of “Stand” by Donnie McClurkin. Her heartfelt performance left many in tears.
Jessica Neal miming at Big Dreams Concert 2025
Backstage, Ramona Jones- also of Jackson, MS -who has been a regular attendee of Big Dreams Concert for several years, served as the stage manager this year. She and her crew of volunteers ensured that everything moved smoothly to get performers on and off stage at the appropriate times.
It turns out that several of the student performers have Mississippi roots too. Byron Corley, a 7th grader made his Big Dreams Concert debut this year. Although his lessons were on zoom all year, and we only met in person for the first time a day or two before the show, Byron owned the stage with his cover of “What Would I Do If I Could Feel” from The Wiz and his piano/vocal solo of Fred Hammond’s “No Weapon”.
Byron Corley, 7th Grader, concentrates during sound check
When asked about the experience, concert attendee, LaSonya Plainer had this to say: “I was fortunate enough to travel from Gulfport, MS to see my only Grandchild Byron Corley’s stage performance in Atlanta. I was not only impressed by Byron; ALL of the performers were amazing! I truly enjoyed the entire show, and look forward to attending and supporting future “Big Dreams” events.”
Given Mississippi’s history of producing notable musicians such as B.B. King, Leontyne Price, Muddy Waters, Cassandra Wilson and others, it is no wonder that as a graduate of Jackson Public Schools’ APAC program, I’m very intentional in developing young artists. This intentionality was in full display at Big Dreams Concert as reported by Gulfport, MS resident, Kanesha McInnis who commented “As someone born and raised in Gulfport, Mississippi, where music runs deep in our soul, it was an absolute joy to witness my nephew shine on stage during the Big Dreams Concert. The Big Dreams concert was filled with incredibly talented young people, and the variety of music—from gospel to pop to soul—gave everyone something to connect with and sing along to. The overall experience was exhilarating and entertaining, from piano and singing to miming and poetry. Everything was so well-organized and prompt—it was a night that truly celebrated creativity, excellence, and the bright future these young performers are shaping.”
One thing I am most proud of is that both the students and parents look forward to Big Dreams Concert. Rather than just another task to complete, Big Dreams Concert builds and inspires community. We’ve even seen families of different students discover that they were relatives! This happened at the concert about 5 years ago when we suddenly had to move the event online. One family was watching from Mississippi and recognized a relative who was watching from Atlanta. As it turns out they were there to see different students and had no idea that they were related. One of the students in this scenario, Sarai Cunningham, was among the performers this year as well.
Rising 10th Grader, Sarai Cunningham tickles the ivories to the tune of “Just The Two Of Us” by Bill Withers
And then there are the families who make the show an annual trip. Ferlisa Ebron, parent of 3rd year student Skylar Ebron, says “Big Dreams is an absolute must-see! As a three-year attendee, I've witnessed firsthand the remarkable growth and talent of FAME studio's performers. My family makes the trip from Grenada, MS to Atlanta every year, and it's always an unforgettable experience! Singers, pianists, dancers, poets…Big Dreams has it all!”
12 yr old Skylar Ebron gives a moving tribute to the late great Roberta Flack with “Killing Me Softly”
Dr. Janice Neal-Vincent, retired Speech and Dramatic Arts professor, spoken word artist and author, put the icing on the cake by gracing the stage with renditions of notable poets such as Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes and Haki Madhubuti in addition to one of her own original pieces.
She opened her 4 piece set with “Ego Tripping”, a most fitting piece given her extensive resume and catalog of accomplishments. Neal-Vincent stunned the audience with her powerful voice and NOBODY was prepared for her pronouncement that every black woman needs a BMW! If you’re wondering what she meant by that, check out The BMW by Janice Neal-Vincent on YouTube.
Blending blues and poetry, Tre' Rice, Britton Wright, and Dr. Janice Neal Vincent perform “The Weary Blues” by Langston Hughes
Do you want to know more about Big Dreams Concert? Do you have a talented kid who needs to be in a program where their skill will be developed and nurtured?Contact Dana Rice at www.DanaRiceMusic.com/Contact to schedule an enrollment interview for online or in-person lessons.
View videos from the concert at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL84HRe_BbBZHBRQczpVK7YRMQ90T7NlDo&si=NFH8TknyGEdoNk4W
Also, save the date for next year’s Big Dreams Concert in Atlanta on April 26, 2026 at Red Clay Theater.