When asked what makes her feel most alive, 27-year-old North Hills resident Bridgette Perdue is quick to say performing and writing music.
“Music is something I’ve always been drawn to. It’s something I’ve done throughout my whole life. I’m very happy writing and performing music and sharing who I am with whoever will listen,” Perdue said.
 |
| BRIDGETTE PERDUE promotes new CD, “Enjoy This Moment” at a CD signing event. (Photo by J.L. Martello)
|
Earlier this year, Perdue released her debut album, “Enjoy This Moment” officially at a pre-Valentine’s Day party at the August Wilson Center for African-American Culture.
“The CD release party was a great moment in my career in Pittsburgh,” Perdue said. “People came together to celebrate something good in the community.”
Partial proceeds from the initial sales of “Enjoy This Moment” were given to the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pa.
“I enjoyed singing to God’s glory and doing good for the community. I take what I do very seriously and I am serious about sharing my music with people,” Perdue said. “At the end of the day it’s not about me, but it’s about what difference I am making.”
The primary message of the R& B-tinged CD is something needed in today’s society: Hope.
“Too much of today talks about making poor decisions. You need to hold yourself to a higher standard. I need to convey in a subtle way the message that God has called me to give,” said Perdue.
She first got bitten by the musical bug as a child when her mother taught her how to play the basic notes on the piano at age 4. She instantly took a liking to the instrument and was taking full blown lessons about three years later. Perdue began writing songs at age 12.
Her passion for her artistry led her to sing in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Orlando and New York City. She performed at Walt Disney World and her single “Real Thing” is the featured song for a nationally reviewed film. She has filmed a Disney commercial, graced the cover of One Fashion Place Magazine and headlined her own City of Bridges Tour.
Perdue likens her sound to that of musical powerhouses Alicia Keys or Sara Bareilles because her music boasts a lot of real instruments like real piano and drums at a time when technology is king in the musical landscape.
“Some of my lyrics come from my personal experiences,” Perdue said. “People say that my music is happy. I like to talk about the joy that happens in life. That’s why I titled the album ‘Enjoy This Moment’ because people need to forget about the past, focus on the future and enjoy the moment they are currently in,” she said.
That positive attitude is what Shaunda Miles believes draws people to Perdue and her music.
“Bridgette is one of the hardest working people I know and I think her voice is a unique one in the landscape,” said Miles, VP of Marketing at the August Wilson Center for African-American Culture and who has known Perdue for about two years. “Bridgette doesn’t seem to be trying to sound like anyone else, and her lyrics come from her heart.
“When I listen to her music I truly believe I am getting a glimpse into the activity of her life,” Miles said. “She is unafraid to be vulnerable, always friendly and always focused with regard to her business. Her music makes me feel light. She is far from done and I look forward to witnessing her continued growth as a pianist and as a vocalist. I believe the best of her has yet to be seen.”
Although she is constantly promoting “Enjoy This Moment,” Perdue has taken her career in a different direction and is adding the occupation of director to her resume.
She is fresh off directing “Fame Jr.” for Westinghouse High School, the first musical the school has produced in ten years.
“Fame was a great opportunity! The Kelly-Strayhorn asked me to be a part of it. It was an exciting opportunity to work with kids who don’t have access to the arts in school,” Perdue said. “The kids saw something they could be proud of because they stayed the course and finished the musical. I feel blessed to know the kids. I was very nervous because I stepped out of my comfort zone. It was God’s strength and grace that allowed me to do that.”
The Point Park University graduate hasn’t folded up her director’s chair just yet.
She will be serving as musical director for the Alumni Theater’s rendition of “Rent” at the end of July at the North Side’s New Hazlett Theater.
“People need to take the initiative to do what they want to do and be passionate about what they love,” Perdue said. “When you do, that will cause blessings to overflow. People should keep dreaming.”
When she isn’t performing, Perdue enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, shopping, cooking, reading and hanging out with family and friends.
(For more information on “Enjoy This Moment” or Perdue, visit www.bridgetteperdue.com).
About Post Author
