We know the Sault has many talented performers, but the public will get a chance to see them upfront at a series of upcoming The Soo’s Got Talent shows, to be held at The Tech, located at 130 Wellington St. E., beginning this Friday, Sept. 28.
This is the first year for The Soo’s Got Talent, said Mario Naccarato, who along with Barbara Rajnovich, is the event’s co-organizer.
Naccarato is a former singer for the band Coverfly.
There was a similar talent event held previously as a fundraiser, hosted by Timothy Murphy, but this event is unrelated to that previous effort, Naccarato told SooToday Monday.
Auditions for contestants aiming to be part of The Soo’s Got Talent were held Aug. 24, Sept. 7, 14 and 21.
“We’ve been very successful. We’re up to 28 acts for the show this Friday night,” Naccarato said.
Doors for Friday’s event at The Tech Theatre will open at 5 p.m., the show beginning at 6 p.m., continuing until 9 p.m.
The 28 performers will be aiming to progress to the top 15.
Subsequent shows will follow Oct. 12, 19 and 26.
Judges will include Naccarato, Rae-Ann Brunette, Darren Robertson and Leslie Walsh Tibben.
“We’re going to be looking forward to a lot of singers, groups including the SMC (St. Mary’s College) Singers and The Primarinas, blues guitarist Leon Kyle, magician Darren Edmond, juggler Kyle Hicks...we’ve got a mixed bag, something for everyone. It’s going to be great,” Naccarato said.
The Soo’s Got Talent is a fundraiser for The Canadian Cancer Society.
Prizes for winning performers include a $450 cash prize, gift cards and restaurant certificates, donated by local businesses, Naccarato said.
Admission, paid at the door, is $10 for adults, $5 for youth and students, free for children six and under.
“It’s a great cause. I want to give back to the community, and there’s a lot of talent in this city. It’s a great feeling, especially when you hear the people singing and you feel their emotions coming through, especially the children. You just feel it,” Naccarato said.
“It feels good giving people a chance to go onstage and build up their confidence.”
Naccarato said he is planning to make the event an annual one, with proceeds going to a different charity each year.
More information, including videos of auditions, can be found on The Soo’s Got Talent Facebook page.