Legends to host student talent show

Kevin DeLury - Entertainment Beat

One simply needs to walk down the halls of Appalachian State University residence halls or stop in at Crossroads Cafe in order to see the immense wealth of talent held at this school. Students are constantly writing and performing original songs, if only to play them for a few close friends’ enjoyment. Besides musicians, Appalachian is filled with actors, singers, writers and performers who specialize in just about every other imaginable form of entertainment available.

At long last, a handful of these students will be able to show off their abilities at the 22nd Annual Mountaineer Talent Search. The show is the end result of a month-long process of signups, auditions and eventually cuts.

Prospective performers registered for auditions April 3-5 in Plemmons Student Union, then waited a week to audition on April 13-14. The auditions were held at Crossroads Cafe before a panel of three judges consisting of various members of the Appalachian community, including the founder of the Blowing Rock Jazz Society.

For auditions, the 19 acts competing were given 20 minutes to showcase their act. After cuts were made, 11 of the acts were slated to perform.

Not only does the talent search provide an excellent opportunity for students to share their abilities with an audience, but the prospect of winning the event is also an incentive to perform. The first prize for the talent search is $500. The second place prize is $300, with third place at $100. Even though there are only three spots for recognition awarded, every participant who does not place in the top three will receive $50.

Ashley Blackmon, a sophomore majoring in psychology, is this year’s chairperson for A.P.P.S. Special Events Council, which organizes the yearly event. Over the course of the year, the Special Events Council has sponsored unique events for students, such as the Super Bowl murder mystery party, laser tag games and a hypnotist who performed on students.

“It’s usually a pretty big deal,” said Blackmon about the talent search.
“Everyone brings out their friends, and a lot of times people’s families will come out. People have had a lot of fun in the past, and this year’s acts are pretty diverse.”

This year’s show does indeed play host to an array of different acts.
Among the featured student performers will be a magician, baton twirlers, a duet performing a piece from the Broadway musical “Rent,” a gospel music group, a bluegrass outfit and various singer/songwriters.

The Mountaineer Talent Search will be tomorrow at 8 p.m. at Legends with admission free to the public. For more information on the talent search or any other events organized by the Special Events Council, visit the A.P.P.S. web site at www.apps.appstate.edu.