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Music competition to help local artists

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Local artists will be given the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and a mini-record deal at an upcoming competition called My Time to Shine June 23 at Tap & Vine. Photo: Metro Creative Connection

Local singers and songwriters can get a taste of the limelight with a competition June 23 at Tap & Vine.

Thanks to television shows like America’s Got Talent, The Voice and American Idol, the popularity of talent and singing competitions has been steadily on the rise. My Time to Shine is a similar competition to promote performers on a local scale, put on by Loretta Paglinawan, owner of Loretta’s Twisted Entertainment Services, in partnership with My Time Promotions.

“It gives [local artists] a little bit of exposure,” she said. “It's just getting them heard on the radio, getting them on iTunes, getting them into some of the local music venues.”

Paglinawan has hosted local karaoke competitions in the past, she said, but has only recently begun exploring live music competitions, as well. She has hosted three events at Bambino's Neighbourhood Pub, which she said were very popular. 

"It was standing room only and people lined up out the door to come and see this event,” Paglinawan said.

Alongside My Time Productions’ George Thorne, she said, the new event will offer the opportunity for her to support more local artists – as well as offer cash prizes for the top three performances and various recording packages with House of Boom Recording Studio in Calgary.

First place will receive a three-song recording session at House of Boom Recording Studio and a cash prize of $500, Paglinawan said. A two-song recording and $300 is offered to second place, and third place will win the chance to record one song and $200.

According to Paglinawan, some great local talent has already signed up to compete, but said they would love for more people to come out and showcase their music.

“We need more," she said. "We need to hear these voices, and we're hoping next year, or in the next few months, the next [event] will get bigger.”

Artists as young as 14 can join the competition, she added, as the venue is family-friendly. Artists do need to register online or at the event, Paglinawan said, and pay a $25 registration fee upon arrival. The event is free for the public to come and check out the local talent.

According to Paglinawan, people are always intrigued to listen to new artists and love watching the reactions of the judges and the audience on television shows featuring talent competitions.

“I think it's the excitement, especially during the blind auditions. [Audiences] like to see the expression on the judge's face when they hear a musician,” she said. “It's about wondering what they're going to sound like or wondering if this person's going to win. It's the excitement of hearing the new sound from somebody they've never heard before, and seeing where that voice takes them.”

My Time to Shine will take place June 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Tap & Vine. For more information, visit facebook.com/twisted.entertainer and click on upcoming events.

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