NEW: Four Young Talents Win Paid Gigs at Bright Night Providence
Monday, December 12, 2011
This weekend, a handful of very talented kids won spots in one of Providence's brightest performance events.
The contestants, who ranged in age from 11-19, stepped on stage in quest of fame, fortune, and the life of a performer this Saturday. The prize: four paid performance slots at Bright Night Providence, the largest New Year’s Eve Festival in the state.
Discovering new, local talent
“Our mission is not only to support and showcase current local artists, but to help nurture and develop the next generation of artists as well,” said Adam Gertsacov, festival director of Bright Night, and a professional clown. “This was the first year for the Bright Night's Got Talent Program, and we are so pleased with the response from these fine young performers.”
Judge Al Gomes agreed. “There was a lot of talent on the stage today. It’s really great to come to an event like this and have such high quality performers. That’s not always the case.”
Gomes should know. He is the head of Big Noise, a local record marketing agency that has worked with the likes of Christine Aguilera, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the Beach Boys. He is also on several Grammy committees, and has been a regional judge for American Idol.
Other judges included stage magician Chris Carbone; accordion virtuoso (and former accordion prodigy) John Juxo; and actress, director, and theatre educator Elizabeth Keiser.
And the winners are:
Gertsacov revealed the winners on Saturday, which are:
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
16-year-old self-taught opera singer Ariel Ayote of Cumberland
11-year-old Providence rapper Adonis Da Don
Singer Alison Hornung of North Kingstown
A.S.M., a group of 7 dancers aged 12-17 from Warwick
“Even if I don’t call your name today, don’t give up your dreams," Gertsacov told the assembled group. “Part of show business is not getting selected, and learning to keep your vision and drive to continue to perform.” He also announced that every performer who tried out, regardless of how they did in the competition, would receive a free ticket to Bright Night.
They will all take the stage as part of the Bright Night Celebration at the RI Convention Center on New Year’s Eve. The young performers will open for more established artists performing at the Family Fun Fair at the RI Convention Center from 12 noon to 5pm.
“I guess I’ll have to prepare a couple more songs,” said Alison Hornung, one of the winners. “It will be a lot of fun.”
For a look at the winning kids' auditions, check out the video, here.
.
For more coverage of all holiday events, check out GoLocalTV fresh every day at 4pm and on demand 24/7, here.
