The 13th annual Star Search competition is once again at the Eagle Eye Theatre Friday (May 13). The popular talent search showcases performers aged 13 to 21 who will dance, sing, and play instruments before three judges who are, themselves, accomplished entertainers.
Opening the show is judge Jennifer Lauren, a past Star Search winner who went on to compete at the provincial level at the PNE and then internationally in Memphis.
Squamish resident and BC-CTV morning talk show host Tamara Stanners will also be judging. Stanners has donated her time to local causes before, most recently as emcee with Norm Foote and Denise Imbeau at the Waves of Compassion tsunami relief event. The third judge is Ben Lens, singer for Davy's Locker, a local band with several CDs to their credit.
Ryan Mooney is taking on his fourth stint as the Star Search emcee. Mooney was a Star Search competitor himself and says he'll never forget performing "Mr. Cellophane" before an audience.
"It was the first time I had ever fully performed a solo song by myself, the confidence it gave me was something I could not have gotten anywhere else," he said.
Mooney lost the competition - and jokes that he remains bitter about it - but enthusiastically returns as emcee.
"The competition has become amazing," said Mooney. "The performers always come prepared and focused. The Howe Sound Performing Arts group is so amazing about letting everyone perform their talent that it's truly a variety night. In one night you'll get to see singers, instrumentalists, dancers, actors and who knows what else?"
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8.
