Raponi Sings for Title of 'North Shore Star'

Peabody's Nick Raponi has his sights set on being named one of top singers on the North Shore this weekend, along with taking home $1,000 and a crystal trophy.

The fourth annual singing competition taking place in Danvers pits 16 talented local vocalists against each other for the title of "North Shore Star." Raponi, a 2001 Peabody High grad, has appeared in other local competitions, including the Dueling Duets in 2010.

His brother Vincent, a social studies teacher at , has also competed in the Tanner City Idols and Dueling Duets.

The contest this weekend is at the Danversport Yacht Club on Saturday, March 10 from 6-11 p.m. and includes a silent and live auction and full-course dinner, followed by an evening of live music from the competitors.

The event is sponsored by the Beverly Rotary Club and North Shore Music Theatre. Auditions for the contest were held earlier this year.

NSMT owner Bill Hanney will act as one judge, accompanied by Boston television and theatre personality Scott Wahle and Ryann Murray, who won the first North Shore Star four years ago.

Some of the other contestants Raponi will sing against are Beverly residents Tana Miller, Fred Van Ness Jr. and Kelly Novack.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Beverly Rotary Foundation scholarship and charity endowment.

Tickets, which include appetizers, dinner, dessert and the show, are $75 per person. Reserved tables for 10 are available for $750. Call Karen Gagne at 978-740-6385.

Local businesses who wish to support the event by purchasing an ad in the North Shore Star Program Book or donate an auction item should call Michael Harrington at 978-232-0003.