Up for a challenge
By Casey Gillis on Jul. 19, 2007
A group of area kids is about to get a taste of what those “American Idol” contestants go through every year.
Next week, 10 students from Lynchburg and the surrounding counties will compete in Grab the Mic, an “American Idol”-like contest scheduled for 7 p.m. July 26 at Cattle Annie’s.
The contest is acting as a kick-off for the Youth Interaction Performing Arts Academy, an after-school program that will offer everything from vocal and piano lessons to sound engineering classes.
“I’m from New York, and I wanted to bring what I grew up with to Lynchburg,” says Grab the Mic organizer and Academy founder Jason “JV” Giambrone. “I feel like we have so much untapped talent in Lynchburg.”
Auditions for Grab the Mic were held last month at Dunbar Middle School, and 10 finalists, ranging in age from 10 to 17, were chosen.
It’s a diverse group in gender, race and musical style, which Giambrone says he was happy to see.
“I just feel like music is something that has transcended barriers and race,” he says. “I was really pleased that we have both white and black (kids). ”
The kids have been meeting with him every week to work on things like microphone etiquette and stage presence. They’ve also been collaborating to write a song about the Virginia Tech shootings, and the entire group will perform it together before the competition begins.
“It’s been very interesting, very surprising and challenging,” says contestant Shamekya Williams, 13, a student at Sandusky Middle School. “I love the challenge. (Plus) you get to meet new people.”
When it comes time for the competition next week, Giambrone wants it to be an unforgettable experience for the kids. He’s rented a limo that will drop them all off at Cattle Annie’s, where they’ll then walk the red carpet in front of family and friends.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and local group Next Level will perform at 6:30 p.m.
After the kids take to the stage to sing the Virginia Tech song around 7 p.m., the competition will begin.
Giambrone has selected four judges with some kind of background in music, and they’ll offer bits of advice — ala Simon, Randy and Paula — after each contestant performs.
The night will also feature the music of rapper Young Rell and R&B/gospel singer Gavin Davis.
Proceeds from the event will go to both the Virginia Tech Memorial Fund and the Youth Interaction Performing Arts Academy.
If You’re Going
WHAT: Grab the Mic
WHEN: 7 p.m. July 26
WHERE: Cattle Annie’s, 4009 Murray Place
TICKETS: $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Advance tickets available at the Jubilee Center.
INFO: (434) 851-1010
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