First, the annual Langley Has Talent competition crowned a singer.
Then, a dancer.
Who will follow in the footsteps of 2011 champion Tiffany Desrosiers and 2012’s first place performer, Lauren Tokiwa, remains to be seen, but organizer Peter Luongo is confident that audiences will be treated to another impressive showdown when the third annual talent competition hits the stage at Christian Life Assembly later this month.
“It’s absolutely incredible to again witness the level of talent coming out of Langley,” said Luongo.
“It so far exceeds what we had in our first year.”
This year’s performers will include rappers and hip hop artists as well as two bands and a number of solo singers.
“Music is obviously playing a major role,” said Luongo.
“And we’re delighted to have a number of dance acts.”
Semifinal competition — featuring performances by the top 24 acts who auditioned earlier this spring — will take place on Saturday, April 20 with the final contest happening two weeks later, on Saturday, May 4.
A panel of judges will select the top 12 performers to move on from the semifinal, but among those acts will be a fan favourite, chosen by audience ballot.
Luongo expects the vote will once again be a popular component of the contest.
“I stand and listen; it’s so cool to hear the banter in the lobby (of CLA) afterward, and in the community in the two weeks between (the semifinal and final competitions),” he said.
“There’s buzz — discussion about who should make it.
“It’s a community event. People who came to cheer on a friend become invested in the event,” said Luongo.
Among this year’s acts are several returning performers who are ready to take another shot at glory, along with plenty of fresh faces, said Luongo.
Once again, they will be competing for cash and industry prize packages — $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place and $1,000 for third.
In order, the winners will choose from a prize pool that includes sponsorship by a talent agency, post-secondary scholarships and a professional photo shoot.
Once the top 12 have been selected, voters can name a wild card finalist from the remaining acts, by casting a ballot in an online vote at langleytimes.com. The link to vote for the “lucky 13” spot will go live at noon on Wednesday, April 24 and continue until Thursday, May 2.
One person who registers to vote will win dinner and VIP access to the show on the night of the final competition.
Presented by the four Rotary Clubs of Langley, Langley Has Talent is intended to increase awareness about the need for a dedicated performing arts centre in the community as well as to raise a bit of money toward the cause.
“Our focus is simple,” said Luongo. “We want the community to be aware of of how great the talent in Langley is … and that we really should have a theatre in which these people should be performing.”
Tickets for Langley Has Talent are available at the Langley Times office, 20258 Fraser Hwy. and online at langleyhastalent.ca.
Christian Life Assembly is located at 21277 56 Ave. Showtime is 7 p.m. on both nights.
