NBC "Superstar" returns to Lehman Auditorium

Photo by Matt Styer

2003 winner of NBC's "Today's Superstar" contest Dan Gardner performs for Homecoming weekend, accompanied by a pianist, percussionist, and the EMU Chamber Singers.

EMU alumnus Dan Gardner returned to his alma mater over homecoming weekend after being voted "Today's Superstar" on NBC's Today Show in 2003. Gardner performed Friday and Saturday night in Lehman auditorium.

Gardner performed selections from his new debut album, "More Than Life," a self-produced album of original material. EMU Chamber Singers accompanied Gardner for many of his songs, and they also performed three songs of their own.

Gardner's pop-oriented work represented a distinct break from the style of Chambers Singers' usual musical selection.

For Gardner, it was good to return to EMU. The university had a significant impact on his career.

"I was lucky enough to have Ken Nafziger as a vocal coach," said Gardner. Gardner received classical voice training but was able to pursue his own musical tastes. Speaking of Nafziger, Gardner recalls, "He was very flexible."

Prior to his success on the Today Show, Gardner was also working as a vocal teacher. However, he is now performing full time. Of his career, Gardner says, "It continues to build."

During his performance on Saturday night, Gardner shared that most of his songwriting comes directly from his personal experiences. When asked what made this source of inspiration so satisfying, Gardner replied, "I can only be myself, and so I find it easiest to write about myself."

A songwriter who worked with Gardner said, "He has a great delivery of the lyrics, and really seems to care about what he is saying in a song." Apparently many people agree; soon after its release, the first single from Gardner's album climbed to 12th position on the Adult Contemporary Top 40.

After his performance, Gardner signed autographs and met with audience members. Plenty of CDs were also sold after the show.