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Photo Gallery So you think you can sing?
One way to prove it might be to enter the Onslow County Farmers Market’s upcoming 3rd annual American Idol-like competition.
Local crooners are invited to test their pipes against their contemporaries at the July 25 contest, said Larry Kent, farmers market coordinator.
The idea for the contest was born out of a desire to get more young people interested in the farmers market, said Kent.
The contest has been popular with service members and military family members during its first two iterations. Kent estimates that at least half of the contestants from the first two competitions had a military connection.
Contestants may be accompanied by live instrumental music or an instrumental recording. Voice overs will not be permitted. Singers must be age 16 or over to enter the competition. They must also prepare two songs from the following genres: Top 40, Country, Gospel, Broadway and Jazz.
“Everyone sings once and then the judges may or may not call them back to sing a second song,” said Kent.
On the day of the competition, contestants must sign in between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. The singing will start at 10 a.m. and singers must stay through the end of the show, which may last until around 2 p.m.
Barbecue and other food and refreshment vendors will be on hand to feed both the singers and the audience, said Kent.
The first place winner will be awarded $500, an invitation to perform at the Onslow County Festival of Trees this November, a three-song demo recording courtesy of Lawton Studios, and a photo shoot worth $150 courtesy of Flash Model and Talent. The second place winner will receive $300 and the third place winner will receive $100.
Additionally, Kent said some of the contestants may receive greater recognition for their talents. Each Saturday, the farmers market features live performances from 10 a.m. through noon.
Past Onslow County Farmers Market American Idol-like contestants have been asked back to perform at those gigs. Though the performance is not paid, it does give the musicians an opportunity to gain more exposure and a little cash by selling their recordings.
Potential contestants may register for the competition in person at the farmers market either this Saturday or July 11 between the hours of 8:30 through 11:30 a.m. by asking for Kent.
Registration may also be made by calling Robin Seitz during business hours at 455-5873.
The contest is open to the first 30 contestants who pay the $25 entry fee.
The public is invited to come out and view the June 25 show. They won’t be disappointed, said Kent.
“The quality of the show is high. The singers are exceptionally talented,” he said.
Editor’s note: The Onslow County Farmers Market is open Tuesday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 4034 Richlands Hwy. It also has a noon to 6 p.m. sale on Thursdays behind Dick’s Sporting Goods on Western Boulevard. The market runs each year from the third Saturday in April through the third Saturday in November.
