A brand new singing contest is just days away from kicking off.
Sing It Up Vancouver Island is an American Idol-style singing contest that will begin auditions on Sunday (March 29) in Comox, with auditions also set to take place in Coombs, Nanaimo and Victoria next month.
Event organizer, musician and artist developer, Susie McGregor said the contest is all about highlighting the talent on the Island.
“Talent needs to be celebrated,” she said. “Talent needs a platform and an applause.”
McGregor is no stranger to organizing musical events, having previously organized the Vancouver Island Music Business Conference, Valley Idol and the Great Canadian Song Race.
McGregor said she wanted to create a contest that will give musicians of all ages an opportunity to be celebrated.
“The kids need to be celebrated and so do the adults,” McGregor said. “Often there are lots of talented adults out there that don’t have a platform or a place to go to let themselves be seen in front of a large audience.”
Sing It Up Vancouver Island will see contestants divided into two categories, under 14 and over 15.
After the first round of auditions, Sing It Up Vancouver Island will also be hosting music workshops for contestants.
“We need to offer that to the youth to give them a chance to build their confidence and to grow and to be the best they can be,” McGregor said.
Following the first round of auditions, the semifinals will take place throughout May and the finals will be held in June at the Coombs Rodeo.
The winners from each age group will both receive a Simon and Patrick acoustic guitar, $500 credit and performance opportunity at the Break Free Group in Nashville, a live recording at the Duncan Showroom, a free workshop with music coach Jason Parson and a paid performance at the Coombs Rodeo.
McGregor said the contest will be a great opportunity for Vancouver Island singers to network.
“It’s a really a great bonding experience,” McGregor said.
Sing It Up Vancouver Island auditions will be held in Nanaimo at Headliners on April 25.
For more information about Sing It Up Vancouver Island, including registration and rules, visit www.singitupvi.ca.
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