Elijah Holnagel
Youth Edition Michigan IDOL Competition is Every Wednesday at VNOs
Age Divisions: 5-12 Years & 12-17 Years of Age
January 26, 2015
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By: O. J. Cunningham
"You just never know what to expect when you try something new," said Josh Sharrow, organizer and MC for the first week of Michigan Idol -- Youth Edition last Wednesday (Jan 21) at VNO Wine Warehouse & New Age Restaurant on Bay City's West Side business district.
It was the first time that the well-known and respected karaoke competition has invited the younger crowd to participate in their own competition.
"We've always had youngsters mixed in with the adults," said long-time Michigan Idol judge Dave Bernreuter. "But this this is the first time we're running an 8-week project JUST for the kids."
For the week one competition, Cheyenne Parsons, Austyn Thornton, Elijah Holnagel and Ally Minnock performed for fans and judges.
Organizer Josh Sharrow pointed out that these events (especially a new format) usually start slow and build from week-to-week once the "buzz" and media coverage starts to take a foothold.
"These youngsters did a really great job for the first week," said Bruce LaFrance of Level 47 (Sound) Production. "And they'll get better every week," he added. "You just watch and see."
The Michigan Idol competition has helped launch the careers of Steve Armstrong, Dani Vitany, Allie Shermatero, Lauren Thomas, Joey Atchinson and Matt Ryan as well as a handful of similar artists. The competition traces its roots back to 2007 at the Stables Cigar Bar, then the Wil-lew and now holds session at VNOs.
Cheyenne Parsons
Photo by The Photography Boutique & Photo Booth
© MyBayCity.com
Grand Prize for the 8-week competition is a 2 hour recording session at Reed Recording Studio in Bay City. Contestants will be split into two different age categories. 5-12 Years of age and 12-17 years of age.
"VNOs is a family establishment, we welcome families to come in and dine." said owner Greg Kimbrue. "There are a ton of talented kids in this area that just don't have a venue to go perform at."
Ally Minnock
Photo by The Photography Boutique & Photo Booth
© MyBayCity.com
Last Choice Country's very own Josh Sharrow hosts the Wednesday night event while Dave Bernreuter, Shawn Doyle and Divalution Founder Deb St. Hillaire sit in as the panel of Judges.
Level 47 Productions will also be providing professional P.A. for Michigan Idol Youth Edition. Photography Boutique & Photo Booth provide photo coverage.
Elijah Holnagel
Photo by The Photography Boutique & Photo Booth
© MyBayCity.com
Just like the adult version, the youngsters are scored on: Appearance, Stage Presence, Vocal Ability, Crowd Reaction, Song Knowledge and Over All Attitude. Contestants are scored on a 1-10 point basis. Performers must be present at least 5 of the 8 weeks to qualify.
Sign up begins at 5:30 every Wednesday in January and February at VNOs Wine Warehouse & New Age Restaurant.
Austyn Thornton
Photo by The Photography Boutique & Photo Booth
© MyBayCity.com
Host Josh Sharrow
Photo by Josh Sharrow
© MyBayCity.com
Judge Deborah St. Hillaire
Photo by Josh Sharrow
© MyBayCity.com
They call him Several Microphone Shawn Doyle
Photo by The Photography Boutique & Photo Booth
© MyBayCity.com
Long-Time Idol Judge Dave Bernreuter
Photo by The Photography Boutique & Photo Booth
© MyBayCity.com
O. J. Cunningham
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O. J. Cunningham is the Publisher of MyBayCity.com. Cunningham previously published Sports Page & Bay City Enterprise. He is the President/CEO of OJ Advertising, Inc.
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