Schools
East Bay Idol Contestants Sing Their Hearts Out
Twenty-one performers vie for top spot in local talent show.
The 3rd annual “East Bay Idol” competition, open to all middle and high school students in Bristol and Warren, was a hit last Friday night at . The event was organized by Ann Marie Roy of the Warren Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force and in collaboration with the East Bay Chamber of Commerce. Roy said the event provided “an alternative activity for the kids."
Twenty singers (and one karate enthusiast) performed before a vivacious and supportive crowd. Their auditions were judged by six “celebrity” judges – Erin Kennedy of WPRI12, Erica Ricci of ABC6, Warren Detective Sergeant Roland Brule, Tony “the Dancing Cop” Lepore, Kickemuit Principal Michael Carbone and school employee Chris Kinder.
Emcee Alfred Travieso of Sound Force Unlimited kept the tone fun and upbeat. Students and parents giggled at the good-natured ribbing Travieso gave Kickemuit Principal Carbone during introductions.
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“Our very own Darth Vader…our Simon Cowell… Mr Carbone!!”
Some students, like 7th grader Alex Brassard, had been performing for years and used the audition opportunity to hone their skills.
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“It was a low song and I’m usually a high soprano. I’m trying to stretch my range,” said Brassard, who sang ‘Landslide.’
Others, like 12-year-old Rose Pansa, were getting on stage for the first time.
“I am feeling pumped!” Pansa said.
Despite a few missed lyrics and some nerves, most of the students seemed pleased with their performances. The boys were a hit with the young ladies the crowd, garnering screams and proclamations of love. In the end, however, the girls were the big winners.
2010 winner Eva Davenport, Sara Sluzarski and Ava Mascena each won $250 for being in the top three. Mascena, who played guitar and sang “Rhythm of Love” for her audition, was crowned the ultimate winner. She will go on to compete in the “Rhode Island’s Got Talent” competition.
The Warren Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force’s next event will be the Pre-Prom dinner at Jackie’s Galaxie on May 2.
