Machismo, the most recent show from Columbia's Standing Room Only Productions, brought out huge crowds during the recent summer and fall seasons. One of the best-attended shows was a benefit for Multiple Sclerosis at the Dream Depot. The group might still be performing at sellout events except that one member, Andy Mann, has followed his dream to New York City. The young men share their thoughts on the experience and their future plans:

ANDY

Andy Mann, the son of Greg and DeAnna Mann, brother of Tyler and Zach, of Columbia, has been accepted into the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, a finishing school in New York City that teaches students to improve skills in music, dance and drama. He will also be able to audition for various plays through the school.

Andy says, "As long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a performer. I've put everything I have into it. I plan to attend AMDA for the two year program, and then hopefully attend either Middle Tennessee State University or Eastern Kentucky University. Or who knows, if I do well enough in New York, I may stay and go to school there. I'd like to thank the people of Columbia, for always standing behind me. Also I would like to thank Ms. Pam Hurt Foust, my role model. And, of course, SRO. They have been there for as a family. Thank you all for having been there from Johnnie Appleseed to Machismo. And I can't forget to thank my parents because they've always pushed me when things got rough and I'm grateful for that.

CRAIG

Craig Dean, son of Robert Dean of Columbia and Becky Ivy of Owensboro, is a 1997 graduate of Adair County High School, presently working at Amazon.com.

His goals and dreams, where music is concerned, include his currently putting together a list of songs he wants to include on a first demo. He hopes to one day be singing in Nashville, on tour with Phil Vassar, Kenny Chesney, and the Dixie Chicks.

Craig says, "I'd like to thank the entire community for their support of our Machismo Show. And I hope we get an even bigger response next year. I'd also like to thank my fellow Machismo Diva's, they are like my brothers and I've had the best time working with them on this show."

GREG

Greg Blair is the son of Ronald and Joyce Blair of Columbia and a1991 ACHS graduate. He is presently working at Lindsey Wilson College

His goals where music is concerned? Greg says, "To follow my dreams. Thanks for the support. This has been an AWESOME ride!"

NEAL

Neal Sneed, 1991 graduate of Adair County High School, presently works at CellularOne in Columbia while pursuing his dreams in the area of Gospel music. He is president of Standing Room Only and says the Machismo team will be seen again in the near future. Plans are in the works now to renew and schedule the next year's shows.