Hanover Idol Auditions start Jan. 27
December 31, 2007 (Ken
Odor, Mechanicsville Local)
Do you like to sing in the shower? Ever done a little Karaoke? If so, you might want to sign up for the second season of the Hanover Idol competition.
Auditions begin Jan. 27 at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, with sessions from 2 - 5 p.m. and 6- 9 p.m. Last year 13 finalists were selected after the auditions, with Patrick Warren and Emma Redd sharing the winner’s circle.
“It was a real successful event,” said Lorie Foley, the assistant director and producer. The two winners got a fair share of local fame, performing in the Ashland Musical Variety Show, the Ashland Strawberry Faire and Ashland Street Parties. Warren sang an oldie from the 60s, “Cupid,” made famous by the legendary Sam Cooke.
“It was really laid back, a fun competition with no pressure,” said Warren, a senior at VCU studying to be an elementary school teacher. “It’s mainly about having fun.”
Sue Forbes Watson explained how Hanover Idol got its start. “We started this at Hanover Heritage Day,” she recalled “John Gordon said to me ‘Why don’t we have a Hanover Idol? The they could be in the Ashland Musical Variety Show.’”
Watson stressed that Hanover’s version of the competition is not like what you see on TV. “Everything that happens is a very friendly competition. The judges give positive feedback and are very encouraging. It’s not a critical thing.”
Watson called the winners “musical ambassadors.” “It’s just as good as anything you see on TV,” she said. This year’s contest is open to anyone who lives in Hanover County from age eight on up.
The deadline for applications is Jan. 18, with the finals competition set for Feb. 17.
Applications can be picked up at the Ashland Library, Ashland Coffee and Tea or found online at www.hanoverarts.com.