Contest waiting for someone to step into Limelight
The limelight is sitting there, waiting, beckoning. Someone in Prince George is going to take it, if they make it their quest.
The annual Limelight Quest singing competition is an all local idol search that lets anyone 13 years of age and older grab a microphone and a little of the spotlight. After the preliminary rounds of competition, that light gets brighter and more focused until one winner remains.
“There are no auditions. If you want to be a part of this competition, simply register on limelightquest.com and pay your $30 registration fee,” said singer and recording artist Dawn Boudreau, the founder and director of the yearly event. “The finals are hosted at the BCNE for the third year now, which is a fantastic opportunity for singing on a larger stage with a larger audience. This competition is decided by audience voting and our unique system of points. It will always be this way and we are proud of our results thus far. Our winners have been enormous talents and we love to continue to watch them thrive.”
Last year’s winner was Isabelle Houghton. The other finalists in 2017 included Chris Potts, Fizza Rashid and Kiziah Arias. Past winners since commencement in 2011 include Vanessa Wittstruck, David Baycroft, Chazz Amos, Sheena Muir and Jessey Decosta and Sean Robinson. They have collectively represented a wide ranging group for musical styles and on-stage personalities.
“Singers of many different stages or levels can benefit from being a part of Limelight Quest,” Boudreau said. “For the less experienced singer, we offer a stage and coaching in both performance and self-promotion. For the more experienced, honing of the craft and networking with other musicians have been a great stepping stone on their career path.”
The prizes are indicative of the Limelight Quest greater purpose of developing the local music industry. The winners (prizes are awarded for first through fourth place) receive a package of incentives including cash and trophies, but also performance opportunities on high-profile stages, recording studio time, music lessons, and many other developmental sparks.
“I am a hometown girl of P.G. and I know what it’s like growing up as a singer in this city,” said Boudreau, describing why she continues to organize the annual event despite living now in the Lower Mainland. “The desire to provide opportunities for P.G. singers is at the heart of this competition and that’s why I keep it going, long after I moved to Vancouver.”
Registrations are open now until July 18 or until there are 32 registrants.
The preliminary and semi-final rounds of the competition are at the Cowboy Ranch on Queensway, which is all-ages until 10 p.m. These introductory rounds run July 22-29.
The final four vie for the ultimate 2018 limelight on the BCNE’s Kin 3 performance stage on Aug. 17 starting at 7:30 p.m. followed by a winner’s showcase on Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. on the BCNE mainstage.