The contestants have been auditioned and the top 26 selected, the judges named and many of the tickets sold.
But there’s still a chance to grab a seat as the fourth annual Langley Has Talent competition gets set to begin this Saturday, March 29, with semifinal competition at Christian Life Assembly.
All 26 acts, including singers, dancers, bands — even a unicyclist — will vie for thousands of dollars in cash and industry prizes, beginning this weekend.
Following Saturday’s competition, the top acts, determined by a panel of three judges and audience votes, will go on to compete in the finals two weeks later, on Saturday, April 12.
Returning to adjudicate the competition once again this year is Vancouver talent agent Jolene Moore.
She will be joined at the judges’ table by four newcomers to the event, including singer Natasha Zimbaro, Leah Emmott — former drummer for the all-girl punk rock band LiveonRelease, who are best known for their single I’m Afraid of Britney Spears, event promoter John Donnelly — who received North America-wide recognition for his work on Fusion Jazz Fest, and Langley television and film actor Mike Roberds, who is best known for his role as Uncle Fester on The New Addams Family.
This year, Langley Has Talent has formed a partnership with the Langley school district, offering students who attend Langley’s elementary and middle schools a free ticket if they are accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket.
The school program has been well received, said LHT founder, Peter Luongo, noting that many families have taken advantage of the offer.
But he’d like to see those numbers climb even higher.
“We really do want to encourage those kids to take advantage of that, because this project and its target of putting a theatre in the community is really for them,” said Luongo.
“By supporting this event, they’re supporting that future.
“Additionally, about half of our performers are or have been students in the school district.”
Langley Has Talent is presented by the four Rotary Clubs of Langley. In addition to shining a spotlight on local performers, the annual competition also underscores the need for a dedicated performing arts facility in the Langleys.
Tickets are $20 and are available online at langleyhastalent.com. They can also be purchased at the Langley Times office, 20258 Fraser Highway.
Doors open at 6:15 p.m., shows start at 7 p.m.
