Great Neck to Stage LI Talent Contest

Think you've got talent?

Well, now is your chance to prove it in the "Big Break" showcase series to be held at the at .

Presented by Gold Coast Acoustic Cafe, the event is now open to musicians, ages 12-25, who do not currently have a recording or publishing contract.

To enter, contestants must submit one mp3 song, one photo and a short bio to GNACBigBreak@gmail.com before midnight on Oct. 20. Interested artists must perform with a backing track or acoustic guitar. No full bands are eligible, event rules. 

From the online submissions, semi-finalists will be chosen to perform in one of two upcoming talent showcases at the Great Neck Arts Center to be held Nov. 10 and Dec. 8. Contest finals will be Jan. 12 at the Great Neck Arts Center.

Prizes include recording and rehearsal time, photo and video shoots, publicity and promotion, radio and TV campaigns, musical equipment — a chance to open for national acts at major venues, according to event organizers.

Two local performers have been chosen as headline acts for the contest. Great Neck's own international recording artist and Berklee School of Music attendee, Michelle Raitzin will perform Nov. 10. Charlie Dane, a 13-year-old music prodigy from Oyster Bay, will take the stage Dec. 8.

Special guests will include:

• Richard Pawelczyk - Webster Hall (who are offering an opening slot for a national act to the winner)
• David Caggiano - Betamax Recording Studios (who are offering a one song recording to the winner)
• Linda Ingrisano - Five Towns College (who are offering a one hour mentoring session to the winner)
• Adam Craig Ellis - The Paramount
• Peter Abraham - BB Kings Blues Club
• Rob Lyons - Madison Square Garden
• Sam Fruner - Loaded Rock Shows
• Tito Batista - Black Rose Productions
• Randy Nichols - Force Media Management
• Christian McKnight - LiveNation
• Jerry Lembo - Jerry Lembo Entertainment Group
• Rob Rush - Radio Personality
• Bill Edwards - Radio Personality
• Bernadette Giacomazzo - Writer/Photographer
• Matthew Reich - Lights Resolve
• Billy and Bobby Allesi - Alessi Brothers
• John Hampson - Nine Days
• Cathy Henderson - Antigone Rising
• Richard Petrello - Petrel and more!!

Admission is $5 for students and $10 for adults. For more information visit the Arts Center website.