Lowville Town Hall Theatre
April 24; 6-8pm FREE
Unlike Tom Hanno, Simon Cowell doesn’t think the North Country’s got talent. When Tom first conceived of a talent showcase, he named the event and the associated webpage North Country’s got Talent, thinking it timely and relevant! However, he was soon sent a cease-and-desist letter from America’s got Talent. Despite this naming issue, Tom persisted. For now, he is simply calling it the North Country Talent Show. To create a more characteristic name for the show, Tom has started a contest to rename the event in a way that represents the North Country. An announcement will be made later in this regard.
Tom’s idea began long ago to showcase talent, but then a serious life event delayed his vision. This life-changing event, in Tom’s view, was a blessing in disguise because it forced him to reflect on many aspects of his life. What he realized was that he was isolating himself and that he was not a happy person. So, he set about changing things. He realized he needed to improve the way he felt and to put his energy into something creative. As a musician, poet, and writer himself, he focused on creative aspects: He joined a band and resurrected his plan for the North Country Talent Show.
When Lowville Town Hall Theatre offered to sponsor the show, Tom could not resist the start of something he felt could be a traditional event for Lowville. Hoping to bring out creative people who otherwise would not have a way to showcase their talents, Tom’s additional hope is to provide a sense of community that most people have lacked since COVID.
Tom considers the talent show as the start of his legacy, so to speak, to start something that can exist in the future with a positive effect on the community and its people. “Art without division is needed,” he said, to combat the politics of today that bleed into our daily lives. Art, he says, “speaks it own language.” Not to mention that consuming art and music as a group affirms our sense of community, which is a proven scientific fact! Tom elaborates, “There is no division because we are united by expression” when we are part of a creative act—either as performer or audience member!
While the slate for this year’s show is filled, Tom is seeking acts such as comedians, vocalists, mimes, one man bands, magicians, puppets, dramatic monologues, tattoo artists, music, poetry, ventrilaquists, dance, demonstrations, or any family friendly act for next year! Judges so far are Tanya Roy with The Butler Did It Players, Frank Hirschey, and Mike Avery. Performers will be judged on professionalism, ability, creativity, material, among other criteria. Prizes for first and second place are a mixture of cash and merchandise like tickets to the Lewis County Renaissance Fair August 30-31 at Lowville Fair Grounds.
Jess Boliver is also helping Tom with the show. Lined up so far are Sean Corbitt music, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, a dancer, a musical duo, Allison Fleming and Jason Griffin, and more with a closing performance by rock band sensation, Undefeated. Aside from performers, vendors Jody Baughman from KneatlyKnotted and Kayla Noftsier will be selling their jewelry.
To find out more about sponsoring the event, contact Tom.
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