As SOCAL ICON 2011 READY TO KICK OFF AUDITIONS!
Anyone who has attended or participated in SOCAL ICON’s (formerly Inland Idol and O.C. Idol) annual solo vocal competitions for Southern CA youth ages 7-18, are seeing familiar faces pop up on TV and stages all over the world. www.SOCALICON.com
Some of ICON’s past finalists and winners have gone on to sign production and management deals, become featured entertainers ad headliners on international tours, and more. One of the 2008 finalists, Arianna Afsar, made it to the top 30 on American Idol in 2009 and is now Miss California 2010.
The most recent “success story” can be seen on the new NBC TV show, “The Voice.” Xenia, a young aspiring singer-songwriter from Temecula, can now be seen on the new singing competition show which features stars Christina Aguilera and Carson Daly. This week, Xenia (a 2010 ICON winner) was chosen to continue as part of Country Music star Blake Shelton’s team. “The Voice” airs on Thursdays at 9pm on NBC.
ICON is produced by WBZB Entertainment, which is based in Eastvale, CA. WBZB’s mission statement is to produce unique and exciting performance opportunities for kids and to use the performance arts to positively impact young people and our communities. WBZB has produced these contest for over 4 years and have included celebrity judges such as Cathy Rigby(Emmy winner, Tony nominee), Marc Cherry(creator of “Desperate Housewives”), Mark L. Walberg (TV host on PBS’ Antiques Road Show”, Fox’s “Moment of Truth”) and Kye Brackett (Emmy-award-winning choreographer and performer with Barry Manilow) among others.
“You’ll be seeing even more of our past contestants in the coming months. I’ve gotten word from a few parents about some big national projects that their kids have been selected for,” said Bruce Sampson, president of WBZB. “Lots of them keep in touch and credit the ICON experience as helping to prepare them. That’s what this is all about. It’s why we do it. It’s a learning and showcase opportunity for young talent that allows them to get direct feedback from industry veterans and music professionals and educators.”
SOCAL ICON 2011 is currently accepting online registrations and will begin auditions on May 28th.
Audition Schedule:
- May 28th – The Village at Orange
- June 4th – South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa
- June 18th – The Shops at Dos Lagos in Corona
The semifinals will be hosted in Eastvale at Roosevelt High School on July 16th and the Final Concert event will take place at The La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts on August 27th where the audience will help choose the three winners by casting ballots that evening.
The three winners will be awarded trophies, and a cool prize package including professional photography package and a professional recording studio session.
For more information, visit http://socalicon.com or call 951-371-5239.