K-Days is going full throttle with its fast rides, funky fireworks, rocking concerts and interesting exhibits.
But it is Talent Search that gives young artists who are bursting with talent the opportunity to go places. The semi-finals are running from July 21 to 23 and St. Albert country singer Julia Nicholson is trying to win the coveted grand prize of $3,000.
For her shot at fame, Nicholson plans to sing Johnny Cash’s mega hit Folsom Prison Blues.
“I love the lyrics. I love how it tells the story. It shows every quality I have – my guitar playing and my music,” said Nicholson.
She last performed two years ago at the talent concert as a wild card. Unfortunately, her luck ran dry at the last minute.
“I was so excited and it was more the experience than winning that counted.”
With a degree of maturity and the confidence of knowing she was a finalist at the 2013 Big Valley Jamboree talent competition, Nicholson is marching on stage with poise and conviction.
Many people who witnessed last year’s grand prize winner, St. Albert hip hop dancer Josh Beauchamp, are once again delighted to watch his character moves and grooves as the afternoon’s feature performer during the finals on Thursday, July 24.
All performances run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the north stage in what used to be the Telus Stage. Below is a list of all St. Albert contenders:
• Hailey Benedict is performing in the junior category on Monday, July 21.
• Emily Laycock, Avery Smith and Julia Nicholson appear during the youth category on Tuesday.
• Cheenie Morales and sister-brother pair Lauren and Andrew Boyd are in the adult category on Wednesday.
Four entertainers will be chosen from each category to perform at the finals on Thursday, July 24.
Legal daughter Rollanda Lee, one of the great former Klondike Kates, is taking the Canadian Hot Stars Band to the Petroleum Club on Friday, July 25.
Lee, who has been part of Edmonton’s jazz scene for over four decades, is going to relive the gold rush days of the Klondike.
Dressed to the nines in Klondike costumes, she will lead a parasol parade all the while bringing back memories of a nostalgic era.
Tickets to the brunch are $35 (includes G.S.T. and gratuity). Lunch is 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Entertainment follows from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Bookings required before Tuesday, July 22. Call Lee at 780-488-5043.
