August 6, 2002
When you actually find Jenna Morgan Stanford at home, this is what she's usually up to.
"Since she was two years, told me Momma, 'I'm going to Nashville, I'm going to be somebody,'" Stanford's mother Donna Stripling said.
But now Nashville is coming to the 17-year-old in a way, with Country Legend Larry Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers performing at the Rylander, and Jenna his opening act.
"I'm excited," Stanford said. "I'm hoping Mister Larry will find something in me and make me famous, I've been working hard."
School set to start tomorrow for the Crisp County senior, but today she's rehearsing for the night's gig in Macon. She'll have to fit that in with cheerleading and softball practice, the occasional beauty pageant or two and school. Jenna's a straight A student, but she says performing is her true love.
"I sing every chance I get. If there's a stage or a tape player I'll do it." Stanford said. "It's a gift from God, I was born to do it."
This weekend's concert will feature a little gospel, and some originals, but mostly the likes of Martina McBride and other country hits.
"I grew up throwing cantaloupes and watermelon so I'm a country girl all the way through," she said.
Her mom, aunt, and uncle, all took shots at country glory, now Jenna hoping she can one day be a South Georgia girl, who lived out her dream.
Saturday's concert at the Rylander Theater in Americus starts at 8 p.m. Sunday's begins at 3 p.m Tickets are $17.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Worldnow and WALB, a Raycom Media Station. 
