Ten capital region vocalists showcased their chops at NewCap Radio stage in West Edmonton Mall on Dec. 6 as part of the second annual My United Way Voice.
The top 10 contestants were chosen after careful deliberation from nearly 50 entries. Their songs are posted online and the public can vote to pick the winner at myunitedwayvoice.ca.
“Once again, we are thrilled at the level of talent from people willing to lend their voice on the topic of poverty,” said R.J. Cui, CEO of St. Albert’s PlanIt Sound.
“We received a great mix of submissions. There are some recognizable names but some new and emerging artists as well.”
Designed as a voice against poverty, the popular contest also aims to educate the public and encourage solutions to an issue that affects millions.
The competition invited singers, rappers, and spoken word artists to submit a song and video that could be uploaded to YouTube. Some spoke about poverty’s challenges. Others turned their song into a rallying cry.
“It’s great to be able to give the top 10 contestants an opportunity to share their voice,” said Mike Kluttig, vice-president of community engagement at United Way.
“But most importantly, it’s the awareness that these artists bring about the struggles of people living in poverty that makes this contest unique.”
Public voting began Monday and closes on Jan. 15. Once all the votes are tallied, the top three artists will be announced. The winner is decided by live tweets on Feb. 25 and will be crowned at United Way’s Red Tie Gala.
The winner receives a professionally recorded demo and performance coaching with PlanIt Sound, $2,500 in cash from AltaPro Electric and an artist highlight video.
Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker has become a holiday favourite of many. You don’t have to be a ballet nut to enjoy choreographer Edmund Stripe’s frothy confection.
Set to Piotr Tchaikovsky’s sparkling score, it takes your breath away with glittering sets, lavish costumes, mesmerizing performances and a Christmas tree that grows to the rafters right before your eyes.
Nearly 80 student dancers, including St. Albert’s Lauren Polanski, Avery Sipek and Alyssa Kryger, complement the 31 professional dancers. Student dancers are traditionally assigned small parts as party guests, soldiers or rats.
The Nutcracker runs Dec. 10 to 13 at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Tickets for shows start at $29. Call 780-428-6839 or at [email protected].
