The limelight is shining bright on eight finalists in the city's premier singing competition. Limelight Quest, the annual showcase hosted by vocal coach and recording artist Dawn Boudreau, has passed its semifinal stages and tonight the shortlist is whittled down to one.
The Great Eight for 2015 are: Vanessa Wittstruck, Dan Johnson, Kyra Kristmanson, Lorna-Jane Simmons, Adalia Pemberton-Smith, Jasmine Tran, Demmy G and Trisha McCreery.
These winners of two previous playoff rounds will now vie for No. 1 and the three consolation positions that follow. The grand prize is $400 cash, a performance spot at Robson Valley Music Festival 2015, a performance spot at Coldsnap 2016, a performance booking by EGK Promotions, a radio feature on 93.1 CFIS-FM's show Homegrown hosted by The Wolfman, eight hours of recording time with Cheslatta Records, a professional photo shoot plus CD design package from Positive Images Studios, a pair of 60-minute vocal lessons from Northern Vocal Arts Academy, plus some aesthetic products and services.
The winners are all chosen via a ranking system of votes from audience members. You have to attend tonight's grand finale to have a vote.
Those who come to observe will witness each contestant sing two songs, plus there are many other entertainment features as well.
"They are each writing two lines of a verse for our new theme song called Sing (Limelight Quest Theme)," said Boudreau. "It's a collaborative project that helps them get to know one another. The finals will start with this group number. It helps them get over their nerves at the beginning of the show."
There were spots for 40 in this year's Limelight Quest preliminary round, and those spots were not all spoken for, but Boudreau said the talent level was higher this year, singer for singer. The judges - the audience - will have a hard time deciding on the four who earn their ranked ballot.
It was local troubadour Jessey DaCosta who prevailed as the winner in last year's competition.
"Jessey is very grateful for all the opportunities she has gained through her involvement in our competition," Boudreau said. "She says she has at least a gig per month now and that's pretty good for a new mom who doesn't really tour at this point."
Four of this year's finalists are new to the competition. The others have competed in the past as well and "are so thrilled to have made it to the finals" said Boudreau.
An eager audience would help propel these young singers to their best performances. The showcase takes place tonight at UNBC's Canfor Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets - available now at Studio 2880 - is $12 each or $10 in groups of 10 or more.
