Bigger and Better: 'Idol' to Take the Stage Wednesday

If you are looking for an upbeat, enjoyable way to break up the week, a trip to Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School for the contest might just be the thing.

And for those who have attended either of the first two installments, they will be surprised at how much it has grown.

From its meager beginnings two years ago, the event gained a little speed last year. Now the event, scheduled for Wednesday, May 4 at 7 p.m. at the Ferrini Dramatics Center at , has doubled in acts to 36 and will feature two judges with ties to the acclaimed Berklee College of Music in Boston.

“The event has been amazing in years past,” said Chief Ken Walsh, a co-organizer as part of the Hamilton-Wenham Rotary Club. “It is amazing how much talent we have in (Hamilton and Wenham). What (contestants) do and their talent levels are amazing.”

The event is put on by the Rotary Club, with proceeds going toward its scholarships and the towns’ schools.

Tickets are $10, $7 for children and seniors or a $25 family rate. They can be bought at the door or in advance from a Rotary member.

The night is a great way to get up on stage and show your talents, or a chance to see friends and neighbors in a community atmosphere.

“For Rotary, this is an opportunity to have an event where we raise awareness of what we do and raise money for scholarships,” said Walsh. “It is also a chance for Rotary and schools kids to interact. It really is a win-win for everyone.

“You can see people let hair down, so to speak, where people can be themselves.”

There are three age groups, 6-12 years old, 13-18 years old and 19 and up. They will be judged by the audience and then the top three in each age group will be scored by the judges. A winner in each group will be chosen and then the overall Hometown Idol will be chosen.

This year’s panel includes Rich Shailor, a Wenham native who is a police sergeant in Rehobeth and a member of the band "Final Approach;" Karen Carr, a member of "Beantown" and a Berklee College of Music teacher; and  Diane Guerette, a jingle writer who attended Berklee.

The Blue Streak Band will again perform, this year opening up the show. Members include Walsh, Essex Police Chief Peter Silva, Tyngsboro Police Chief Bill Mulligan and Groveland Police Sgt. Dwight McDonald and Walsh's daughter, Janelle.

 “For the youngest kids, (Hometown Idol) is a way for them to express themselves in an opportunity where they might not have had in past,” Walsh said.