How to go
What: 2014 Youth & Teen Talent Show
Where: Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 30
Cost: Free
More info: 937-296-2587 or www.fraze.com
There are a lot of talented kids in the Miami Valley. Just ask Kelsey Copper, youth and family coordinator for the city of Kettering.
Over the past 20 years or so, The Miami Valley Recreation Activities Council has hosted a Youth & Teen Talent Show that brings out the best amateur talent throughout the region for a night of free entertainment. This year’s show is scheduled for Wednesday at Fraze Pavilion in Kettering.
“I was a preliminary judge at Oakwood last year. It’s a good experience, but tough to judge because the kids are all so talented,” said Copper, who’s been coordinating youth/family activities for Kettering over the past three years. “It’s hard to choose the best ones.”
The best one last year turned out to be Alex Wunder of Kettering. As a 15-year-old, he won First Place and a check for $200 singing a “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” and “Fly Me to the Moon” medley.
“I was very excited to win; it was a great experience,” said Wunder, who sang the national anthem at a Bengals game last year and will be singing again on Dec. 7 at the Bengals/Steelers game. He will also be the featured vocalist at the Cincinnati Reds/Cleveland Indians game on Aug. 4 in Cleveland. “The competition took me one step further in my experience level and helped me on to other things.”
There will be 24 finalists, ages 19 and younger, competing for first through third place at the show on July 30. These finalists were chosen from a total of six preliminary contests held from June 6 through July 22 in Oakwood, Lebanon, Kettering, Washington Twp., Trotwood and Beavercreek. Four competitors were chosen at each site by three judges: a MVRAC representative, one for vocals and one for dance. Each contestant can try out at up to two preliminary events for a chance to advance to the finals.
Copper said most of the talent is comprised of singers, and the second-most is individual or group dancing. The First Place finisher wins $200, Second Place wins $150, and the Third Place finisher takes home $100. There will be a 15-minute program put on by Funk Lab Dance and Creative Arts Center in Dayton at intermission. The Center specializes in hip-hop dancing and also offers scholarships.
“This Talent Show is a really good, free show and enjoyable for all,” said Copper.
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