Peekskill Students Named Semi Finalist for Tri-State Talent Show

The Peekskill City School District congratulates Peekskill High School students Christopher Smith and Kathryn Czerwinski, who have been announced as finalists in the Tri-State Rocks (TSR) Youth Vocal Competition to be held at the Paramount Theater on Sunday, October 28 at 5:30 p.m. The TSR event highlights aspiring vocal artists from the Tri-State area between the ages of 12 - 21

The show will be hosted by Z100's Maxwell, and finalists will perform in front of music-industry veterans Kara DioGuardi (Grammy-nominated songwriter and former American Idol judge), Leslie Stifelman (musical director of the Broadway hit Chicago), and Pete Ganbarg (President of A&R of Atlantic records).

Winners will receive a mentorship with DioGuardi, a Summer Sessions scholarship to Berklee College of Music and a cash prize.

To encourage the school community to come out and show their support, Mr. Louie Lanza of Hudson Hospitality Group and Mr. Michael Fiumara of CRP Sanitation, in collaboration with the Paramount Theater and Inspiration Nation, have arranged for free tickets for Peekskill students and their families to attend the event.

Each Peekskill school has been given ticket vouchers, which will be distributed by buildings on a first come, first served basis. Vouchers can be exchanged for tickets at the Paramount's box office any time before the event, or at the show. Those interested in acquiring vouchers should inquire about availability by calling the main office of your student’s school.

As far as Smith and Czerwinski, neither are strangers to the stage. Each have previously performed with both the Peekskill Middle and High School Drama Clubs and at various school events.

Smith says that he’s looking forward to the talent show, and hopes to take away much from the experience.

“It feels great to be selected – I’m so excited and I just can’t wait to sing,” Smith said. “I’m looking forward to learning more about show business, and making some new friends.”

Czerwinski is also excited for the opportunity.

“I’m really so excited to be a part of this amazing opportunity, " Czerwinski said. "I’m looking forward to performing and getting to know myself as a musician. It still feels so unreal and I’m just ready to hit the stage."

All proceeds from this year’s event support Tri-State area non-profit organizations that focus on youth, including Sunrise Association, Art Start, Kids Helping Kids, and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth).