Digicel Rising Stars auditions in Ocho Rios was a smash with amazing talent and several interesting characters gracing the stage. The fourth auditions for this the 7th season of Digicel Rising Stars was held at he Hibiscus lodge in Ocho Rios on April 18. With almost two hundred contestant turning out despite the constant threat of rain there is the distinct possibility that the 2010 Digicel Rising Star might come from St Ann.

This rastaman brought his guitar but not much talent.jpg This rastaman brought his guitar but not much talent.

Series producer for the hit series, Sharon Schroeter, says St Ann was a confidence booster for the show’s organisers: “The talent here was plenty, we saw many contestants who have what it takes to be on the Digicel Rising Stars main stage. What is also true is that there were some talent that just needed a little bit more time to hone their craft and this augers well for the future of Digicel Rising Stars as we have told them to come back when they are ready”

Rising Stars host hopeful Julie Malcolm is serenaded by a contestant in Ocho Rios

Julie Malcolm who is vying for the position of host of Digicel Rising Stars 2010 was at the audition interacting with the contestants: “It was an exciting experience for me as I met some very interesting characters and saw some good talent. The Digicel Rising Stars' family were also extremely professional and very supportive of me. I had some real fun, I learnt a lot and I hope to land the position so that I can be a part of this great competition”.


Talented 19 year old Chrystal Rhoden was asked to hone her skills a bit more and try again next year


Judges Anthony Miller, Nadine Sutherland and Clyde McKenzie were treated to a good combination of what the garden parish had to offer. Throughout the day contestants came with Dancehall, R&B, Gospel and Reggae, with a large majority of contestants choosing to do renditions of old but loved R&B songs from the likes of Witney Houston, Mariah Carey, Jagged Edge and other acts from the 90’s and 80’s.

Digicel Rising Stars' auditions continue this Saturday (April 24) at the Girl Guides Headquarters in Kingston. Auditions begin at 8am and end at 3pm!

The fourth edition of the Vintage Reggae Fest will be held at the Hemmerstein Ballroom in New York on December 6th.

Fancs can look forward to performances by their favorite vintage artist. Cocoa tea will be performing his tribute song to Barak Obama. And there will be a special musical tribute performance for reggae legend Alton Ellis and Soca pioneer Byron Lee by the artists. The event is organized by JAMROCK Magazine.

www.reggaefest.com

www.jamrockmagazine.com

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Toronto Jamaica Day Celebration will take place at Keelesdale Park at 2801 Eglinton Avenue West, on the 26th and 27th July 2008. Artists performing at the event include Freddie McGregor, Tony Rebel, Nadine Sutherland, Queen Ifrica and many others including local reggae acts

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Atlanta radio personality Jason Walker was obviously blown away by the veteran reggae artist's recent performance at Vibes Nightclub in Decatur, Georgia. He called her "witty, energetic, sexy, inspiring, professional, warm, charming and extremely entertaining."

She performed her hits like; "Action", "Babyface", "I'm In Love (Rainbow)", "Anything For You", "Big Tingz" and more. While on stage she commanded the audience's attention by plying many roles: "she was the girl next door, she was your little sister, she became your older sister, your adviser, the sexy lady you fall in love and multiple other powerful yet comforting roles, all in one night! She showed an extremely diverse repertoire that showed an experienced performer, singer and entertainer that belied how young she looks on stage."

Apart from being an artist, Sutherland is also a journalist and judge on Rising Stars a local talent show in Jamaica.