Ever since a famous Hollywood starlet said "If you've got it flaunt it", hundreds of thousands of aspiring singers, musicians and actors have used the famous quote as their own personal mantra in the quest for success.
This Friday (June 4), 20 musically talented Squamish individuals will be flaunting their talents in the 12th annual Squamish Star Search, taking place at the Eagle Eye Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The 20 young performers will comprise a total of 11 separate acts (some group, some individual), who will take to the stage in an effort to impress the audience and the judges.
"All levels of talent will be on stage," said event organizer and producer Carol Grolman. "It gives the locals a chance to strut their stuff."
In the past, the winner of the Squamish talent-fest has gone on to become a participant in the much-bigger Star Search event at the annual PNE in Vancouver. This year, however, PNE Star Search organizers changed the criteria to that of a video being sent in of the entertainer's performance at their local competition. Because the PNE entry deadline was May 31, the Squamish competitors will be performing strictly for themselves and the audience, and will have to wait until next year to win a spot in the PNE contest.
"This year, they're not doing it for the PNE, they're doing it for our town," said Grolman. "They're really gonna show us what they can do."
Whatever they do, they'll be judged by a panel of three local industry-related judges, who will be watching each act for the winning combination of audience appeal, natural ability, quality of performance and showmanship.
"All of the performers will learn from the experience, no matter what," said Grolman. "And they'll be better because of it."
In this year's lineup, all of the participants are enrolled in secondary school in Squamish. Featured acts include a full-ensemble band, individual vocal performances, dancing, as well as a piano solo and violin solo.
"It takes a lot of courage to get up on stage and perform in front of a hometown audience," said Grolman. "Some of the talent will be better than others, but it's always a good show. Every performer is a winner in our eyes."
Tickets for the event, presented by the Howe Sound Performing Arts Association, are available for $8 at Mostly Books, Highland Video and Billie's Bouquet.
