Headline:
The pursuit of the limelight is back for another summer.
This all-local singing competition builds the Prince George region's music scene, creates a tight network of singing friends, and floats on the fun of a competitive format.
Limelight Quest 2019 registration is now open, with a maximum of 32 competitors at the start. Entry fee is $35.
"Last year, there was a waiting list, so singers should sign up early to avoid disappointment," said the event's founder, Dawn Boudreau.
"We are now in our ninth year, having begun as Prince George Idol in 2011," said Boudreau, the event's director and herself a recording artist and concert singer. "We are always excited to meet the new, up and coming singers of PG. There's always some lovely surprises discovering new talent."
As each round of the competition takes place, Boudreau and special guests take these aspiring singers under their wing, learning stage presence and musical techniques as they go.
"It's really all about self-improvement as an artist, and I look forward to personally helping each contestant through the process so that they can deliver their very best performances," she said.
This competition is for solo singers only, aged 13 or older (no maximum age). Singers may have an accompanist on stage with them, use an instrument for self-accompaniment, or they can sing with a recorded instrumental track (like a karaoke background) as long as no lyrics are in front of them.
The competitors will be divided into four preliminary events spaced between July 28-31. A shortlist from each of the preliminary rounds will move on to a pair of semi-final events (one Aug. 6 and one Aug. 7). These events take place at the Cowboy Ranch starting at 7 p.m. each time (all ages are welcome to attend, $10 cover fee at the door).
"Eight finalists, decided via a carefully honed points system through audience voting, will sing at the BCNE on Friday, August 16th for the final level of the competition, and this is where the amazing prize packages will be awarded," said Boudreau.
Prize packages include performance opportunities, photo shoots, recording sessions, cash and more. Full prize lists can be seen at the Limelight Quest website.
"There are no auditions for this competition. If you think you have what it takes, you sign up," Boudreau said.
SIDEBAR
Limelight Looks Back
Eight past winners of the Limelight Quest competition will join for a one-night-only showcase concert to kick off the summer singing competition. Come out to enjoy the prize-winning talents of
Mesa Passey, Grace Hoksbergen, Kiziah Arias, Chris Potts, Arilynne Barks, Jaymie Walker, Fizza Rashid, Trisha McCreery, and supporting musicians who will combine for a night of celebration and inspiration.
This showcase will remind the public what talent lies within the community of Prince George and what stars the Limelight Quest competition has found over the years. They get to relive the excitement without the pressure of competition.
Limelight Quest Stars '19 happens July 12 at 7 p.m. at the Northwood Plaza Banquet Hall (2280 John Hart Hwy). Tickets are $12 and available in advance only via the Eventbrite website.
For more information, or to reserve tables of eight (purchase tickets first, then request grouping), please email [email protected].
