$10,000 Prize Extending The Jersey Reach to Florida.

Asbury Park, NJ - In a theater in Asbury Park, auditions were held this past Saturday for a new singing competition: The Jersey Shore Karaoke Idol™. Among contestants in attendance at the Premier Theatre Company venue on Lake Street, were a 23-year-old from Pompton Lakes, who performed and then went with her boyfriend to enjoy lunch in the area and the beach; a West Long Branch family -- mom - an English teacher and her two teens and their friend; a 55-year-old woman who had been a theater major in college and now sings karaoke for fun; and a high school student from Key West, Florida.

In addition to getting to audition for the chance to win a $10,000 first prize, contestants got a bit of coaching on their performances from singer/vocal coaches Stephanie Chaiken and Jilly Sentino.

"Who are you singing to?" asked Chaiken of several of the contestants, "I'd like you to put the lyrics into your own words. Now sing the verse again to that person with YOUR reasons behind it."

"You've got this," pronounced Sentino to another performer. "But in your interview, you said that you're an Alto. You've brought in a song in a key for a high Soprano. I think you should lower the key to fit your range."

The Jersey Shore Karaoke Idol Competition officially opened on Father’s Day, when contestants began to register to audition at www.jerseyshorekaraokeidol.com for $30. Presented by the Jersey Shore Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (JSCVB), the extensive tourism program is designed to promote the Jersey Shore through aggressive campaigns that have already garnered a great deal of attention. Hotels, clubs and theaters throughout the region are working together to benefit. 

"It's terrific!" touted Bob Hilton, Executive Director of the JSCVB. "The registrants so far range in ages from 11 to 59 years old and they are from multiple states. This is a competition that is bridging generations and bringing folks to our beautiful area. We hope to have people from all 50 States and at least 20 countries.” 

“In addition,” said Hilton, “contestants from out of town who are traveling to the Jersey Shore to audition can receive special rates at hotels that are partnering with the JSKI competition. A list can be found at http://www.jerseyshoreexperience.com/where-to-stay.html .”

JSCVB’s focus will be on engaging competitors and spectators throughout the event through a series of both online and in-person rounds throughout the summer, building toward Quarter and Semi-Final rounds in the fall, and then a Grand Finale concert at one of the Jersey Shore's premier theater venues on November 16, 2014. Here a winner will be crowned "Jersey Shore KARAOKE Idol 2014”.

There are three ways contestants can enter to sing their way into the hearts of audiences and judges throughout the competition:

·      Open call auditions at theater and hotel locations, which will process applicants through elimination rounds throughout the summer.

·      Local New Jersey and select “out of town” clubs, bars and restaurant establishments are running 4 week summer competitions, with each sending their finalist directly to the quarter finals.

·      An online competition will have fans vote to select winners to be entered into the Quarter-Final rounds.

Registration instructions and a link to a list of venues holding auditions can be found at http://jerseyshorekaraokeidol.com/register-to-audition/ .

Dates still available for Preliminary Round auditions are:

BAR COMPETITONS 
JR's in Seaside, NJ – Mondays: July 21, 28, Aug 4,11,18 at 10pm
McDonagh's in Keyport, NJ – Tuesdays: July 22,29, Aug 5,12, 19 at 7pm
Steel Pier in Atlantic City, NJ – Alternating Wednesdays: July 23, Aug 6, 20 at 8pm
Headliner in Neptune, NJ – Alternating Thursdays: July 17, 31, Aug 14, 28 at 8pm
Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ: Select Thursdays: July 24, 31 Aug 7, and 21 at 8pm 
Boardwalk Bar and Grill ~ Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant, NJ - Sundays: July 20, 27, Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, Sept. 7 at 9pm                                                                       

IN PERSON AUDITIONS AT THEATER AND HOTEL LOCATIONS:
August 23 - Double Tree Hotel - Tinton Falls, NJ 
Sept 6 - Ocean Place Resort and Spa, Long Branch, NJ
Sept. 20 - Ocean Place Resort and Spa, Long Branch, NJ

Quarter and Semi-Finals in October will introduce competitors to a new series of performance challenges such as themes, choreography and costuming. Quarter and Semi Final rounds will be held at theater venues as ticketed events, where a panel of judges will eliminate the group down to 12 hopefuls. The Grand Finale: (November 16, 2014) will take place at the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park. The final 12 will face even more challenges; audience participation, and special industry guests. The winner will take home the Grand Prize of $10,000 and three-day vacation package awarded by the Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The JSCVB’s mission is to welcome visitors as it markets the Jersey Shore as a year-round destination for events and attractions, sports, accommodations, the arts, music and culture, and weddings; providing life-long memories to its many visitors, and strong marketing benefits to its Member Businesses. The Jersey Shore Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, officially recognized by the State of New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization covering all of Monmouth and Northern Ocean Counties.

For more information about the Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau, visit www.visitthejerseyshore.com or call Robert Hilton, Executive Director at 732-244-9283. 

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