By Staff
Music in the Streets
adding new element
to entertainment lineup
By MIKE VOSS
Contributing Editor
Music in the Streets unveils its tribute to “American Idol,” the hit television show, on May 16 when Beaufort County Idol kicks off.
Despite its name, Beaufort County Idol is open to anyone who is at least 10 years old. The singing contest will be held during each Music in the Streets, with the finals being held in conjunction with Smoke on the Water in October. The top three finishers at the finals will win “Washington dollars,” which may be spent at participating downtown Washington businesses.
Each month during the Music in the Streets season, Beaufort County Idol will begin at 7:30 p.m. The competitions will be conducted on the front of the former Bank of Washington building, which now houses La Te Da and Studio Cheveux.
Jonathan Clayborne, a former Music in the Streets music director, is the coordinator for Beaufort County Idol.
There’s “been a little buzz” about Beaufort County Idol as limited information about the event has made its way into the community, Clayborne said.
Anyone interested in registering to complete in Beaufort County Idol or seeking more information about it should contact Clayborne at (252) 974-2420. Participants may register in advance or at the event as long as they register at least 15 minutes before the event begins, he said.
Lee Drake will serve as the event’s master of ceremonies.
At least three judges, possibly as many as six, will judge each Beaufort County Idol segment.
So far, the list of judges includes Stuart Aronson, author of the outdoor drama “Blackbeard: Knight of the Black Flag,” Patch Clark and Joe and Julie Sizemore. Joe Sizemore is a former director of the Washington High School Pam Pack Band. Julie Sizemore is a music teacher with Beaufort County Schools. Patch Clark serves as the director for East Carolina University’s Storybook Theatre for children. She also is coordinator of the theater-education program in the School of Theatre and Dance at East Carolina University.
A list of substitute judges is being put together, Clayborne said.
The rules for Beaufort County Idol may be viewed by visiting the Washington Daily News’ Web site: www.wdnweb.com.
Info box.
Beaufort County Idol rules