October 17, 2013

Staff Report

 

It’s Taste of Soul and that means…it’s time for StarQuest!

StarQuest producer Yvette Bailey is inviting the community to come out and see the exceptional talent in store this year.

“Come Join us at the Taste of Soul StarQuest Stage from 10am-6pm to experience the tremendous talent of the StarQuest kids and adult finalists chosen to compete in this year’s competition,” said Bailey. “Ranging in age from 5 to 65, these phenomenal individuals represent the very best of our community and we are indeed honored to provide such a monumental platform at Taste of Soul for their future success. “

Our Starquest Judges include actor, dancer, choreographer, author and director Darrin Dewitt Henson, musician, vocal coach, proud father (Brandy and Ray J), and industry veteran Willie Norwood Sr., actress and recording artist Camille Winbush, recording artist, NBC’s “The Voice” finalist Jesse Campbell, talent manager and Producer at Overbrook Entertainment Paress Salinas, casting director of film & television Keisha Richardson, ABC, associate director of special projects  “Dancing with the Stars” Sandy Christmas, comedian/actor Gary “GThang” Johnson and FOX surprise celebrity talent judges. StarQuest Host will be actor/ comedian Jonathan Slocumb.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for our community and talented Starquest contestants and I am honored to be asked to return as talent producer of the Starquest stage,” said StarQuest talent executive, Rayva Harrell.  Harrell who has worked in the entertainment industry for almost 20 years now serves as talent manager for hip hop pioneer MC Lyte.

She continued, “I applaud Danny Bakewell for his vision eight years ago in bringing a festival such as Taste of Soul to our neighborhood.”

“On behalf of Bakewell Media, I am proud and pleased to witness the growth of StarQuest and the launch of StarQuest4Kids this year,” said Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of The Bakewell Company, Pamela A. Bakewell.

“Our Taste of Soul StarQuest talent competition has given our community the opportunity to showcase the best of us at a time when television is sending new talent into the entertainment industry.  We have talent in our families, in our neighborhoods, in our churches and all around us.  StarQuest is giving our talent a stage on which to perform and for us to enjoy.  We look forward to growing StarQuest in the years to come and with the help of you, our “Taste of Soul Nation”, we will share the best of us with everyone at the Taste of Soul.  Be there to support and cheer on the talented semi-finalists – the adult and kids are AMAZING!!!!”

Two winners will be chosen…one kid…one adult…and they will perform on one of the Radio stages, Radio FREE KJLH and 94.7 THE WAVE. Who will be the winners of the 2013 StarQuest Competition? Find out at Taste of Soul Saturday, October 19 at the StarQuest Stage!

KIDS FINALIST:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADULT FINALISTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category: Community