Talent Call

photos courtesy of Calvert Artists Showcase Last year’s performers included Bill Marquess & The Gang (left) and professional pianist Jason Brown.

Calvert Searches For Its Idol
Calvert performers dazzle audiences not for contracts or competition, but for charity.
by Margaret Tearman

Are you one of the millions who dreamed of auditioning for a spot on American Idol — but didn’t, fearing public humiliation by one of Simon Cowell’s infamous withering reviews?

You may not have missed a chance at stardom, or at least 10 minutes in the spotlight. The call’s out for talent to perform at the 7th annual Calvert Artists Showcase. The annual variety show holds open auditions on September 9 and 10 for its 2006 extravaganza. Eight acts will be selected to perform in the Showcase scheduled for March 5.

“We’re looking for a diverse entertainment experience,” said JoAnn Kushner, president of Artlinks, the sponsor of the Showcase. “We’d like to see a variety of talent audition, including musicians, vocalists, dancers, poets and comedians.” Artlinks, Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization working to promote the arts Southern Maryland while benefiting the community.

In the running so far are an impressionist, percussionist, several vocalists, musical groups and an orchestra. The auditions are open to performers from all but the immediate past year and even to those now performing in a different ensemble. At least one performer in each act must be a resident of Calvert County.

The Showcase is not a competition. Everyone wins: artists, non-profits and community. Instead of a $1 million recording contract, performers benefit altruistically.

“Once selected, each act will be asked to perform on behalf of a charity of their choice,” says Kushner.

Past artists include opera singers, bluegrass bands, jazz trios and belly dancers who performed to benefit charities include Calvert Hospice, Battle Creek Nature Education Society and Calvert Animal Welfare League. The Showcase raises between $5,000 and $7,000 for each beneficiary.

Call for audition application: 6-10pm Sept. 9; 10am-1pm Sept. 10 @ Mary D. Harrison Center, Owings: 410-535-2403.