Gonzaga students from outside of the area may not know, but Spokane has talent. Red Eye Promotions will be displaying this for the second year in a row in "Spokane's Got Talent," a showcase of talent from the greater Spokane area.
This year, the contest will be held on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. in the historic Bing Crosby Theater. Out of a group of approximately 200 contestants, 20 participants were picked for the showcase. Four judges from different entertainment areas in Spokane will decide the fate of the participants. The judges include Inlander Arts and Culture Editor Luke Baumgarten, Kristen Kurtis from KZZU and Spokane's River radio, Genesis Vernon from Insyders Music and singer/songwriter Holly Starr.
The crowd has a chance to be the fifth judge if they donate via text messaging to the Robert T. Kilduff Cancer Foundation.
Kris Kilduff of Red Eye Promotions said that the response to "Spokane's Got Talent" has been extraordinary, after an increase of more than 50 auditions from 2009 to 2010 and only 20 spots in the finals this year in comparison to the 25 spots the year before.
Auditions were held at the Empyrean Coffee House during the first two weeks of August. Fans were encouraged to come and support the talent during auditions and will be welcome to buy a $10 ticket to see their favorite acts once again in the finals. The top three will receive various prizes. The grand prize to the winner is an all-inclusive trip to audition for NBC's "America's Got Talent." Other prizes include a marketing package from Red Eye, a photo shoot by Savage Unlimited, a review in the Inlander and gift cards from several sponsors.
The 20 finalists called back this week are from a variety of backgrounds. There are acts from an accordion player to acoustic guitarists to magicians and all the way back around to break dancers, Hula-Hoopers, and belly dancers. Of the 20 participants, nine of them are vocalists, including Emily Stickel, who placed third in last year's competition.
"She has an amazing voice and will be a force to be reckoned with," said Kilduff.
So what happened to last year's winner? The 2009 winner, Michael Janson, impressed the crowd with his unique beat box skills, by looping sounds from his mouth with extraordinary beats behind them. After winning "Spokane's Got Talent," Janson has started working on a debut album with Red Eye Promotions, playing shows here and there, and hosting the Empyrean's open mic night every week. He will be performing an exclusive set during the finals this year.
The Arriva Jalisco Mariachi Band placed second, and is dedicated to playing mariachi music but has not played around Spokane after their performance last year.
Tickets for Spokane's Got Talent are available on their website at spokanesgottalent.com, the Bing Crosby Theater, and other sponsor locations such as Zanies, Insyders Music Booth in the Northtown Mall and Perfehcter Productions. Tickets will also be available during Pig Out in the Park.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!