Sylvie Paillard
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The next great Canadian singing sensation may very well be a Squamish native thanks to the arrival of a new talent scouting contest.
The Grizzly Bar and Grill is hosting the town's first annual B.C. Talent Search next month, giving contestants the chance for the ultimate prize: a professional performance in front of thousands at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival.
Grizzly co-owner Carmelle Cascanette has been drawing large crowds with weekly karaoke contests for years, and since 2003, has held two highly attended Squamish Idol contests. It was during the performances of local amateurs that B.C. Talent Search organizer Annie Andrews discovered a hidden gem in Squamish.
"Annie Andrews used to do the karaoke here and she heard about my Squamish Idol contest," said Cascanette. "She thought it would be a good thing for us to do because there's such good talent in Squamish."
Cascanette agreed to take on the annual hosting duties - no small task considering the long list of responsibilities involved. But she said she was also bowled over by the local talent and hopes to provide them with broader opportunities. "I wanted to be involved because after we did the Squamish Idol I realized what amazing talent we have here and I thought it would be good for them to actually get out and after they win here, have a chance to really go someplace," she said.
B.C. Talent Search is currently held in numerous communities in the Lower Mainland from March 2 to May 4. The contest contains three segments: the preliminary search, the Lower Mainland semi-finals and the Lower Mainland finals.
Every week, a maximum of 10 singers perform locally for a different trio of judges. Only one winner is chosen to go on to the local semi-finals held April 27. The contest may seem cutthroat, but contestants have the advantage of entering every week if they wish. "Say you come the first week and have really stiff competition, then you can go in it again the next week to qualify for the semi-finals," said Cascanette.
The fee for each entry is $25 and competitors must provide a short bio and photograph to post on the B.C. Talent Search website.The winner from each venue moves on to the semi finals, held at the Cloverdale Rodeo May 18. The six remaining semi-finalists will then move on to the finals to be held during Canada Day celebrations in Surrey for a chance at the Grand Prize: a 30-minute paid performance at the 2006 Merritt Mountain Music Festival.
Runners-up also get recognition in the form of cash and prizes, gift packages, a commemorative plaque and a chance to participate in B.C.'s Country Idol talent search contest.
Cascanette said she's eager to find judges for the weekly contests. Anyone interested in judging or participating in B.C. Talent Search can call her at 604-898-1092.
