Suburban Chicago's Got Talent semifinalists named
Singer-songwriters, a pair of beatboxers, a rock trio, a country duo, a band of siblings and a comedian are among the 16 acts selected for the semifinal round of Suburban Chicago's Got Talent.
The 16 will continue to compete in the summerlong event presented by the Daily Herald, produced by the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre and sponsored by the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.
Performers moving on in the competition are, in alphabetical order: singer Sheridan Archbold; beatboxers Chinese Take Out made up of Luke Young and Ronnie Greco; singer Kimberly Church; singer-guitarist Ryan Cooper; singer Gabriela Francesca; singer Mary Hilbrink; singer Andrew Johnston; singer-songwriter Mark Lyons; singer-pianist Riley Mangan; alternative rock band No Immunity; singer San Sandberg; country western duo Sean and Karen; one-man band Dave Siemiaszko; comedian Tiffany Streng; rock band Viper Fever and pianist Joey White.
From about 100 people who auditioned in June, 30 were selected to perform at two Metropolis showcases where they received feedback from the judges: Metropolis executive director Charlie Beck; Connie Canaday Howard, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble artistic director and theater instructor at the College of DuPage; Metropolis music director Micky York and Barbara Vitello, who reviews theater for the Daily Herald.
The semifinalists were selected based on a combination of judges' scores and audience votes. A tie resulted in 16 contestants instead of the previously announced 15.
The next round of competition takes place at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at the Metropolis. As in previous rounds, finalists will be determined by audience votes and judges' scores with an added online component. Videos of the performances will be posted at dailyherald.com, and voting will give one act a guaranteed spot in the Top 10.
Those 10 move into the final round with a show on Aug. 4. They'll perform again on Aug. 10 during the Taste of Arlington Heights, when the 2013 Suburban Chicago's Got Talent winner will be announced.
First prize is a trip to audition for NBC's “America's Got Talent.” The winner of the fan favorite competition — determined by total online votes — receives a Funjet Vacation for two.
Soon you can vote!
<b>Online voting:</b> Voting for the Top 16 will begin Tuesday, July 23, at <a href="http://www.dailyherald.com">dailyherald.com</a>. Posted videos will showcase the contestants' performances at the next show.
<b>Top 16 performance:</b> 7 p.m. Sunday, July 21
<b>Location:</b> Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, (847) 577-2121 or <a href="http://www.metropolisarts.com">metropolisarts.com</a>.
<b>Tickets:</b> $15