MILLEDGEVILLE — Area youth are preparing to show off their talents in hopes to win an all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas during Campus Club Milledgeville’s (CCM) Black History Talent Show next week.
“This is a testament to the potential of what CCM can provide to middle Georgia’s local artists,” said Gregory Barnes, CCM executive director. “We believe this is only the beginning of opportunities for the community.”
Sponsored by CCM, Kent Buckner, owner of the Las Vegas Defenders, and Georgia College’s Black Student Alliance, nearly 100 students ages 10 and up took part in the talent show audition process as small groups or individual acts in early January.
“Celebrity trainer Kent Buckner, who is from Eatonton, heard about our organization, was impressed with it, and wanted to give back to kids in the area, so he suggested a talent show to give the grand prize winner an opportunity to go to Las Vegas and perform at one of the Las Vegas Defenders’ basketball games,” said Toyia Barnes, CCM assistant director.
“I have been working with kids for years now and wanted to give back from the community that helped me grow.” added Buckner via press release. “Having a chance to do what you love in front of a live audience will change how you see yourself as an entertainer.”
During CCM’s first Black History Talent Show Friday, Feb. 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Georgia College Magnolia Ballroom, the top 10 performers will compete for the Las Vegas trip, including Ania Davis, Torey Hudson, Lamarcus Tuft, Morgan Justice, Voirsel Renfroe, Chris Guy, Chris Jackson, Charneika Ross, Tommell Jackson and the Lundy sisters.
“We were planning on doing a Black History Program in February, so we decided to combine the talent show with it,” Toyia said. “During the show, Georgia College students will perform and will conduct ‘A Black History Celebration Through the Arts’ in which they will honor the past, present and future of African-Americans through poetry slams, songs and other forms of art.”
Guest judges will include Buckner, Clint Valladares, Berklee City Music national director of operations and outreach, Arin Canbolat, Berklee City Music national field coordinator, and Emmanuel Little, Georgia College diversity retention and training coordinator. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door for $5 each.
“We have some really talented kids in Milledgeville. Some of the kids are even doing their own original music and songs,” Toyia said. “It’s going to give those unknown faces an opportunity to be known.”
CCM, a non-profit organization, is a year-round arts and enrichment center designed to serve the millennial generation ages seven to 26. CCM offers courses in Baldwin, Jones, Hancock, Putnam, Washington and Wilkinson counties. A variety of music, dance, theater, writing, art and language courses are offered, focusing on the creativity in the youngsters. All the services are for free to those who need it most.
“Campus Club Milledgeville is a place that allows students to follow their dreams. This opportunity gives them a peak into what possibilities are out there in the world," Toyia said. "Our kids have an opportunity to experience something more outside of Milledgeville and take their talents outside of Milledgeville; I’m excited about that.”
For more information about next week’s show, or to purchase tickets in advance, visit www.campusclubmilledgeville.org.
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