By Evelyn Cairns
The names of 16 semifinalists selected at preliminary auditions for the Downriver Idol contest have been announced by the Southern Great Lakes Symphony, sponsor of the second annual competition.
The next round of judging, to choose three or four finalists, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 in the Flat Rock Community Auditorium, with input from the audience. Tickets, $5, are available by calling (734) 246-2890 or visiting going to www.sgls.org.
Among the semifinalists are Ray Tejada and Natalie Rogers of Taylor, Audrey Nerowski of Southgate, Pamela Jackson of Trenton, Lauren St. Andre of Riverview, and Laurie Mata of Wyandotte.
Others are Derek Bolton, Sebastian Kulbacki, Michelle Lepidi, Jill Ryan, Lara Semetko and Judy Smith of Grosse Ile; La Triana Eddington of Southfield; Bernadette Kathryn of Royal Oak; Ramsey Katynski of Clawson; and Jenna Winston of Howell.
The finalists will compete for the Downriver Idol title at a Feb. 27 SGLS concert.
Arts Town Hall meeting planned
The Downriver Council for the Arts is inviting Downriver Arts organizations and their members to attend an Arts & Culture Town Hall meeting at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 in the Wyandotte Arts Center, 81 Chest-nut.
According to Paula Boase, DCA president, the agenda will include an update on the DCA and Art Center projects and activities, along with an opportunity for organizations to provide the latest information about their groups and their programming and re-source needs.
“The input of local organizations is very important as we move forward with exciting programs, projects and opportunities at the center,” Boase said.
Culture Fest 2011, a collaborative event to be held at the center in October, also will be discussed.
There is no charge for the meeting. Registrations and more information are available at (734) 720-0671 and [email protected].
The DCA is a regional arts council with a mission to serve as a resource and provide opportunities for its cultural partners, artists/performers and those who support the arts.
Capitol exhibit slated by DCA
An opening reception for an exhibit titled “Capital Idea at the Capitol,” featuring the art of 42 Downriver artists whose works were on display at the State Capitol during 2009 and 2010, has been planned for 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 21 by the Downriver Council for the Arts.
The reception will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the DCA headquarters in the Wyandotte Arts Center, 91 Chestnut. There is no charge for admission.
On exhibit through Feb. 10 will be works by art-ists including Ann Anderson, Margaret Arnott, Marilyn Bomarito, Nicole Camilleri, Shirley Ciungan, Gloria Dunn, Patricia Eberline, Joe Gambino, Teri Gillespie, David Grose, Roberta Harris, Marie Hill, Patricia Izzo and Melanie Jones.
More artists are Evelyn Kachadoorian, Maureen Keast, Suzanne Kerske, Mary Kocsis, Nathan Korkus, Marianne Letasi, Vivian Longfellow, Nancy Lourie, David Matt, Ronald Mitchell, Jim Monroe, Edith Moose, Sally Morris and Judy Nelms.
Others are Kathy Ogen, Jean Peacock, Charlene Quiel, Carol Reid, Dolores Rieckhoff, Anne-Marie Rock, Art Stein, Lou Terry, Warren Townsend, Betty Trombetta, Cathy Turgeon, Lynn Warrington, Irene Z. Will and Willo Wolczynski.
Auditions set for musical
Auditions have been scheduled by the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center for the musical “Honk,” based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling,” at the Trenton Village Theater, 2447 W. Jefferson.
The auditions are open to those 5 through 19 years old at the time of the tryouts.
A $65 participation fee will be required of cast members, along with a $15 annual DYPAC membership fee.
Performance dates are April 29 and 30, and May 1, 7 and 8.
For additional information, call Debbie Jackson at 734-671-2202 or e-mail [email protected].