Lift off for The Launch
Six break-through artists. One song. A life-changing opportunity. That's the premise of CTV's The Launch, a seven-episode reality talent series that sets out to discover the next big singer-songwriter.
St. Albert's Alex Zaichkowski, a.k.a. Havelin, is one of the 30 lucky personalities to get his shot at fame and fortune.
The Paul Kane High School graduate's career as a television star was set in motion after earning a slot as a finalist in YTV's The Next Star (2013). He later developed a tween following as John, one of the leads in the 2016 TV series Lost and Found Music Studios. At the same time he built a music career as Havelin.
The Launch's executive producer, Scott Borchetta, of Big Machine Label Group has brought on board a group of international celebrity mentors including Shania Twain, Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, Fergie, Nikki Six, Boy George and Alessia Cara.
Havelin will strut his moves and grooves during Episode 1 on Wednesday, Jan. 10. Competing against him are Julia Tomlinson (King City, Ont.), Logan Staats (Ohsweken, Six Nations), The Revel Boys (Toronto) and Vivian Hicks (Georgetown, Ont.)
Shania, the reigning Queen of Country Pop, and award-winning producer-songwriter busbee are the A-list mentors for the inaugural show.
The Launch's world premiere airs tonight on CTV and CTV Go at 8 p.m.
New face at LB's Saturday Afternoon Jam
Guitar player Percy Marshall is the featured guest this coming Saturday at LB's weekly jam. With nearly 50 years experience under his belt, some say he was born with a guitar in his hand. Actually, he started playing when he was nine and had his first professional gig at 11.
Marshall received two ARIA (Alberta Recording Industry Association) awards and has played in 20 Alberta and Western Canadian bands. Several bands he likes to cite are Barry Allen and the New Rebels, Persons of Interest, Celtic Fusion Illusion and the Lynne Chwyl Blues Band.
The jam runs 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at LB's Pub, 23 Akins Dr. No charge.
