Gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island Hosts Workshop in Solarplate Printmaking

Ron Pokrasso, Who is Pulling My Chain, 2019 , “Solar Impressions” exhibit, Gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island.

The Gold Coast Arts Center in Great Neck, Long Island is inviting budding artists to learn the innovative technique of Solarplate printmaking in a workshop being offered Sunday, March 15, 1-3 pm.

For teens and adults who are interested in trying a new art technique, this workshop requires no previous experience.

During this three-hour workshop, participants will learn a variety of ways to create unique plates and prints. The key innovation in the printmaking technique is that nNo harsh chemicals or solvents are involved; all you need is light, water and a bit of imagination.

Participants will transfer images with the Solarplate process using a thin steel plate coated with a UV light sensitive photopolymer.

The Solarplate process is the same technique used in all works in the current exhibition on view, SOLAR IMPRESSIONS.

Jude Amsel, “Temps,” (2018) which incorporates Solarplate, Polaroid transfer and pastel. Gold Coast Arts Gallery, Long Island, Presents “Solar Impressions: Contemporary Printmaking” © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

This exhibition is a result of nearly a three decade friendship of gallery curator and artist Jude Amsel with artist and master printmaker Dan Welden, who developed the Solarplate  etching process in the 1970s. “He altered the art of etching… doing away with acids and solvents while keeping printmakers healthy by respecting the environment,” Amsel said.

The exhibition, Solar Impressions, brings together more than 40 artists, who together show how versatile and adaptable Solarplate is across media and art forms – from photography to drawing to painting. “Each of these artists represent an ongoing exploration of the Solarplate etching process.”

See more about the exhibit and artists: ‘Solar Impressions’ Exhibit at Gold Coast Arts Center Features Innovative ‘Solarplate’ Etching Process, Workshop

Printmaking workshops for adults will be offered at the Gold Coast Arts Center on Sunday, March 15, from 12-3 p.m. No experience necessary. (For information, visit https://goldcoastarts.org/event/solarplate-printmaking-workshop/)

But that’s not all.

Long Island Premier: ‘The Truth’ 

Gold Coast Arts Cinema Series, which is offered through the Gold Coast Arts Center, is presenting the Long Island premiere of  “The Truth” on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Neck Cinemas at the Squire, 115 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11021.

In “The Truth,” legends of French cinema Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche play a mother-daughter duo in this charming and wise tale of a family dynamic, which co-stars Ethan Hawke.

The film offers a relatable look at human relationships, featuring performances from its all-star cast. “The Truth,” tells the story of a stormy reunion between script-writer Lumir (Binoche) with her famous mother and actress, Fabienne (Deneuve), against the backdrop of Fabienne’s autobiographic book and her latest role in a Sci-Fi picture as a mother who never grows old.

Directed by masterful filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda, “The Truth” was well received at Venice Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival in 2019. According to Owen Gleiberman of Variety Magazine, “Catherine Deneuve gives a magnificent performance: grand, subtle, lacerating and fearless.”

Tickets for “The Truth” are $15 Adults/ Seniors and $10 for members when purchased in advance. All tickets at the door are $20. Tickets can be ordered online at www.goldcoastarts.org or by phone at 516-829-2570.

8^th Annual Big Break Talent Competition

Also: there are still a few days left to submit to the 8th Annual Your Big Break talent competition, open to musicians ages 15 to 25.The deadline to email one MP3 song, one photo anda short bio to yourbigbreakny@gmail.com or to submit on Reverbnation HERE is Sunday, February 23.

The semi-finals take place Saturday, March 14 and Saturday, April 25th and the Finals take place Saturday, June 6. Artists must perform with a band, solo with acoustic guitar, or sing to backing music track.  (https://goldcoastarts.org/your-big-break/)

(See more Open Call for Young Musicians to Enter Gold Coast Art Center’s 8th Annual Your Big Break Talent Contest) 

Gold Coast Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) multi-arts organization dedicated to promoting the arts through education, exhibition, performance, and outreach. For a quarter-century, it has brought the arts to tens of thousands of people throughout the Long Island region. Among the Center’s offerings are its School for the Arts, which holds year-round classes in visual and performing arts for students of all ages and abilities; a free public art gallery; a concert and lecture series; film screenings and discussions; the annual Gold Coast International Film Festival; and initiatives that focus on senior citizens and under-served communities. These initiatives include artist residencies, after-school programs, school assemblies, teacher-training workshops, and parent-child workshops. The Gold Coast Arts Center is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts “Partners in Education” program and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Rd.,  Great Neck, NY 11021, 516-829-2570, www.goldcoastarts.org.

 

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Young Musicians Invited to Apply for 7th Annual “Your Big Break” Talent Competition at Gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island

All Types of Kinds was the 2018 winner of the “Your Big Break” Talent Competition at the gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Long Island, NY (December, 2018) – Applications are now being taken for the 7^th Annual “Your Big Break” (YBB) Talent Competition, organized by the Gold Coast Arts Center, Love Revolution Org., and the Rick Eberle Agency. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, January 6, 2019.

There is an OPEN CALL for submissions for musicians ages 15 to 25 living on Long Island and in all five boroughs, who do not currently have a recording or publishing contract to submit for the showcase events; interested artists must perform with a band or solo with an acoustic guitar or sing to a backing music track. Though artists are judged in areas from stage presence to overall musicianship, YBB is largely a singing competition. There is NO FEE to enter.

To be considered, email to gnacbigbreak@gmail.com: one MP3 song, one photo, a short bio. Or enter online at Reverbnation, https://bit.ly/2G8quOb.

Judges are major players in the music industry, with past years having included ReverbNation.com’s Lou Plaia, All Music Inc.’s Guy Brogna, songwriter Tara Eberle Drouin, producer David Caggiano, producer Richy Petrello,  and label executives Stephen Marcuccio, Jerry Lembo, Linda Ingrisano, and Mark Ambrosino. 2019 judges are soon TBA.

Finalists will be assigned mentors who will work to help them hone their craft before performing at the finals. 2019 mentors are still TBD – while this past year’s have included American Idol’s Robbie Rosen, Dream Recording Studio’s Jason Melker, Sojourn Record’s Mark Ambrosino, producer/songwriter and former VP of A&R at Atlantic Records Jimmy Bralower, singer/songwriter John Hampson of Nine Days, singer/songwriter Ryan Star, and songwriter/producer Donnie Klang of MTV’s “Making the Band”, songwriter/producer Ido Zmishlany, and others.

Prizes Include:

The chance to open for national acts at Revolution Bar & Music Hall in Amityville, New York (Tom Angenbroich, Loaded Concerts)

Recording Time at The Loft Sound Studio (Donnie Klang, Matthew LaPorte, The Loft)

PR and social media campaign including management, booking, and label services consultation with the Rick Eberle Agency (Host)

Musical equipment from All Music Inc (Guy Brogna, Judge) and ZOOM North America (Stephen Marcuccio, Judge)

Feature on ReverbNation.com (Lou Plaia, Judge)

Feature article in Good Times Magazine (Rich Branciforte, Judge)

Each evening is capped with a special headlining performance. Past artists who have performed in the headline slots have included: Buddhist Priest, Iridesense, John Hampson of Nine Days, The Brady Brothers, and Sir Cadian Rhythm – all of whom are local musicians who have had major success in the industry, with hopes to further inspire the next generation of New York stars presented each year.

The 2018 YBB champions, All Types of Kinds, play a wide variety of music ranging from rock to pop, folk, punk, funk, hip-hop, blues and country – even sometimes all at once. The members come from diverse backgrounds that make for an amalgamation of musical textures and vibes. Their EP, “Love Songs (Or Songs For Your Ex)” debuted earlier this year, and they are currently performing dates all over the country.

Past winners Paris Ray, Youth Be Told, Katie Zimmer, Annika and Matt Grabowski and finalists SEE and Zofolk have gone on to work with major producers, managers, and agents.

The semi-finalists are selected from some 1,000 submissions.

The Gold Coast Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the arts through education, exhibition, performance, and outreach. Located on the North Shore of Long Island, it has brought the arts to tens of thousands of people throughout the region for over 20 years. Among the Center’s offerings are its School for the Arts, which holds year-round classes in visual and performing arts for students of all ages and abilities; a free public art gallery; a concert and lecture series; film screenings and discussions; the annual Gold Coast International Film Festival; and initiatives that focus on senior citizens and underserved communities. These initiatives include artist residencies, after-school programs, school assemblies, teacher-training workshops, and parent-child workshops. The Gold Coast Arts Center is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partners in Education program, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. More information can be found at www.goldcoastarts.org.

For information on upcoming classes/exhibits/activities at the Gold Coast Arts Center, visit www.GoldCoastArts.org or call 516-829-2570.

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5 Vie to Win 2018 ‘Your Big Break’ Talent Competition, April 21 at Gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island

Winners of Round 2 of “Your Big Break” Talent Competition at Gold Coast Arts Center with judges. The finals take place on April 21 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Gold Coast Arts Center, Love Revolution Org, and the Rick Eberle Agency are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting final round of this year’s “Your Big Break Competition” on Saturday, April  21, at the Center’s Acoustic Café, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, Long Island.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with the first act taking the stage at 8:00 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, and $20 at the door). To purchase tickets in advance visit: goldcoastarts.org/your-big-break-final/.

The top five remaining finalists, who survived the first two knockout rounds held earlier this years, will perform for judges in the music business that includes producers, radio and television personalities and music business executives. The winner will be chosen by the judges and audience members, as the performers vie to win prizes and recognition that can help boost their music careers. Among the prizes include the chance to open for national acts at major local venues like The Paramount; recording time at DCITY Studios; a feature on Reverbnation.com; musical equipment from All Music Inc. and ZOOM North America; and public relations and social media campaign, booking and label services consultation with the Rick Eberle Agency.

This years “Your Big Break Competition” finalists are singer/songwriters Kaylee Shahira and Lydia von Hof; and bands 37 Stripes, All Types of Kinds, and Psychopompus.

Kaylee Shahira performing in Knockout Round 2 of “Your Big Break” Talent Competition at Gold Coast Arts Center © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Kaylee Shahira is a young, passionate indie-pop artist with a killer sound who hails from northwest Indiana. Shahira loves writing about the questions nobody can answer — living with mental illness, personal life philosophies, and the intricacies of being a social animal. Shahira exudes promise as an emerging artist.

37 Stripes performing in Knockout Round 2 of “Your Big Break” Talent Competition at Gold Coast Arts Center © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The band 37 Stripes formed in the fall of 2016. The members were introduced at the iSchool of Music and Art on Long Island and quickly connected with one another and settled on musical upheaval as an alternative expression. 37 Stripes have been writing their music and playing at festivals and venues around New York City. Band members are Manhasset residents Andrew Hahn, who plays Fender bass, sax, and keyboard; Oscar Cellura on Fender guitars, and keyboard; and percussionist Zach Levine, a resident of Syosset, who plays the drums. The band has played at the renowned “Bitter End” in Greenwich Village and Mulcahy’s in Wantagh, NY. 37 Stripes were also finalists in the Town of Oyster Bay’s Battle of the Bands and the Morgan Park (Glen Cove) Summer Music Festival.

Psychopompous, which boasts alumni of Great Neck South High School, performing in Knockout Round 2 of “Your Big Break” Talent Competition at Gold Coast Arts Center © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

First formed at Great Neck South High/Middle School in 2010, Psychopompous is the most recent nominal iteration of the musical project formed by singer and guitarist Justin Kelly, percussionist Beni Hahitti, and bassist Maximillian Nero. The three created  Psychopompous through a mutual interest primarily in progressive rock, and then expanded into an unending plethora of musical interests that continues to grow at an alarming, and often frustrating rate. Their music has taken notes from progressive rock, heavy metal, alternative, blues, funk, psychedelia, Gregorian chant, Tibetan throat singing, and occasionally whale songs. They have been known in the past for their sincere love of technical music, experimentation, improvisation, and their unbridled willingness to play music nobody wants to hear.

All types of Kinds performing in Knockout Round 2 of “Your Big Break” Talent Competition at Gold Coast Arts Center © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

All Types of Kinds is a New York City-based Alternative band consisting of guitarists Billy Conahan, Ray Rubio, and Rocco Stoker, along with percussionist Berk O. As a group, they have performed from folk to rap and other genres in between. Their music and shows reflect the band’s diverse background in helping them achieve success in the New York metropolitan area. Band members are all singer/songwriters with an extensive repertoire of songs. Having grown up performing in musical theater, stand-up comedy, and as actors, the group is skilled at crowd engagement, making their shows unique and upbeat. Their personal and group experiences give them the ability to read and play to any crowd, creating a show that is always changing and entertaining to diverse audiences. 

Lydia von Hof is a 16-year-old singer, piano player, and songwriter from Commack, New York. She performed as a soloist at Madison Square Garden at a New York Knicks halftime show and is the 2016 winner of Long Island’s Got Talent. Aside from singing pop, jazz, R&B, Broadway, and opera, Lydia is a classically trained pianist and has performed classical piano solos at both Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.  She has been a returning musical guest on PATV’s “The Brick Wall.”

Lydia von Hof and Annamaria from Round 1 of “Your Big Break” Talent Competition at Gold Coast Arts Center, Great Neck, Long Island. The finals take place on April 21 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Gold Coast Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the arts through education, exhibition, performance and outreach. Located on the North Shore of Long Island, it has brought the arts to tens of thousands of people throughout the region for over 20 years. Among the Center’s offerings are its School for the Arts, which holds year-round classes in visual and performing arts for students of all ages and abilities; a free public art gallery; a concert and lecture series; film screenings and discussions; the annual Gold Coast International Film Festival; and initiatives that focus on senior citizens and underserved communities. These initiatives include artist residencies, after-school programs, school assemblies, teacher-training workshops and parent-child workshops. The Gold Coast Arts Center is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partners in Education program, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. More information can be found at www.goldcoastarts.org.

 

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Open Call for Submissions to Enter ‘Your Big Break’ Talent Competition at Gold Coast Arts Center

Finals of the fifth annual Gold Coast Acoustic Café Your Big Break talent competition participants, organizers and judges at the Gold Coast Arts Center, Great Neck, Long Island © 2017 Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Great Neck, NY — Now in its sixth year, the Gold Coast Arts Center and Love Revolution have issued an open call for submissions for musicians 15-25 living on Long Island and in all five boroughs to enter the “Your Big Break” talent competition for 2018. The deadline is January 7; there is no fee to enter.

The competition takes place February 3, March 10 (semi-finals) and April 21 (finals) to determine what musical artist or group is the “next big thing.”

The open call is for all musicians age 15 to 25 living on Long Island and in all 5 boroughs that do not currently have a recording or publishing contract to submit for the showcase events; interested artists must perform with a band or solo with an acoustic guitar or sing to a backing music track. Though artists will be judged in areas from stage presence to overall musicianship, YBB is largely a singing competition.

To enter: email one MP3 song; one photo; a short bio to gnacbigbreak@gmail.com, or enter at Reverbnation, http://bit.ly/2BTyvjR

During the competition, mentors are assigned to the finalists for YBB to help them hone their craft before performing at the finals. 2018 mentors are still to be announced, but this past year’s included American Idol’s Robbie Rosen, Dream Recording Studio’s Jason Melker, Sojourn Record’s Mark Ambosino, producer/songwriter and former VP of A&R at Atlantic Records Jimmy Bralower, singer/songwriter John Hampson of Nine Days, and songwriter/producer Donnie Klang of MTV’s “Making the Band”.

Judges are major players in the music industry as well; past judges have included ReverbNation.com’s Lou Plaia, All Music Inc.’s Guy Brogna, songwriter Tara Eberle Drouin and label executives Stephen Marcuccio, Jerry Lembo, Linda Ingrisano, Mark Ambrosino.

Prizes Include:

The chance to open for national acts at major venues like Stereo Garden and the Paramount in New York

PR and social media campaign including management, booking, and label services consultation with Rick Eberle

Musical equipment from All Music Inc (Owner, Guy Brogna, will judge)

Homepage feature on ReverbNation.com (Co-Founder, Lou Plaia, will judge)

Each evening is capped with a special headlining performance. Past artists who have performed in the headline slots have included: Lem Payne, Jr., Iridesense, John Hampson of Nine Days, The Brady Brothers, and Sir Cadian Rhythm – all of whom are local musicians who have had major success in the industry, with hopes to further inspire the next generation of New York stars presented each year. 

For more information on upcoming classes, exhibits, and activities at the Gold Coast Arts Center, visit www.GoldCoastArts.org or call (516)-829-2570.

The Gold Coast Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to producing and supporting the arts through education, exhibition, performance and outreach. For over 20 years they have brought the arts and arts in education experiences to tens of thousands of people throughout our region through its School for the Arts, which offers year-round classes in all visual and performing arts to students of all ages and abilities; free public art gallery; concert and lecture series; outreach programs, which each year bring artist residencies, after-school programs, school assemblies, teacher training workshops and parent-child workshops to students, senior citizens, teachers and others in underserved communities throughout our region; year round film screening and discussion series and Gold Coast International Film Festival. The Arts Center is an affiliate of the John F Kennedy Center for the for the Performing Arts: Partners in Education Program and National Gallery of Art, both located in Washington DC.

 

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Hayden, Ray, Van Hoff Advance in Gold Coast Arts Center’s ‘Your Big Break’ Talent Competition Finals, April 1

Paris Ray, Julia Hayden and Lydia Van Hof, winners of the second-round of Gold Coast Arts Center’s ‘Your Big Break’ Talent Competition, with judges. © 2017 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

A trio of singer-songwriters, Julia Hayden, Paris Ray and Lydia Van Hof, were winners of the second-round of Gold Coast Arts Center’s ‘Your Big Break’ Talent Competition, and will go on to the finals, April 1.

With the first-round winners, singer-songwriters Julia Lambert, Jaclyn Manfredi, and Alex Mendes, this seals the line up for the finals, on April 1, taking place at the Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, Long Island.

Julia Hayden performing at the Gold Coast Arts Center’s ‘Your Big Break’ Talent Competition, Great Neck, Long Island© 2017 Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Julia Hayden brought presence and style to her performance of “Moana” (“I’m a huge Disney person.”); Paris Ray, whose original song, “Astronomy” had marvelous lyrics (“I became an astronaut to give you space”); Lydia Van Hof, who has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera, brought her rich vocal talent to an excellent rendition of Adele’s “When We Were Young” and Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.”

Paris Ray will perform in the finals of the Gold Coast Arts Center’s ‘Your Big Break’ Talent Competition, Great Neck, April 1 © 2017 Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

The other five performers also impressed the judges and audience with their original music as well as covers and live musical accompaniment:  Tessa Field (whose original song, dedicated to her mother who passed away, featured this line, “don’t know what to do when I see my smile in pictures of you,”), Taylor Hogan (her original song was “Sane Wonderland”, and two bands, City Alley and Times Like These.

The “Big Break” is not just a clever title. The young performers are competing for prizes that could well launch their career.

Lydia Van Hof brought a sassy, sultry style to her winning performance at the Gold Coast Arts Center’s ‘Your Big Break’ Talent Competition and moves on to the finals April 1 © 2017 Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Winners are up for prizes including the chance to open for national acts at major venues like The Paramount, recording time at DCITY Studios and Online TV streaming opportunities, a feature on Reverbnation.com, musical equipment from All Music Inc. and ZOOM North America, a PR and social media campaign including management, booking and label services consultation with Rick Eberle Agency. In addition, Rick Eberle has also invited all the contestants to appear on his radio and TV shows.

Mentors assigned to the finalists also work to help them hone their craft before performing at the finals. 2017 mentors are still to be announced but last year’s included singer/songwriter Ryan Star, John Hampson of Nine Days, and songwriter/producer Ido Zmishlany.

Judges are major players in the music industry including: ReverbNation.com’s Lou Plaia, All Music Inc.’s Guy Brogna, Label Executives Stephen Marcuccio, Jerry Lembo, Mark Ambrosino.

Contestants and judges at the second semi-finals of Gold Coast Arts Center’s ‘Your Big Break’ Talent Competition, Great Neck, Long Island © 2017 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The evening was capped with a headlining performance by singer-songwriter Matt Grabowski who was last year’s winner.

Your Big Break is hosted by the Gold Coast Arts Center’s Acoustic Café and LoveRevolution.org.

The contestants for Your Big Break were selected from 1000 submissions in response to an open call for musicians age 15 to 25 who do not currently have a recording or publishing contract. The artists have to perform with a band or solo with an acoustic guitar or band or sing to a backing music track. There is no fee to submit.

Matt Grabowski, last season’s winner of the “Your Big Break” Talent competition, headlines and also helped judge the competition © 2017 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Arts Center is transformed into the Gold Coast Acoustic Café once a month, a music venue that showcases local up-and-coming talent as well as established music acts. With its black box theater performance space and a lounge in the art gallery, the Gold Coast Acoustic Café is one of the few small music venues around which makes for a special and intimate atmosphere for artists and audience alike, especially during Your Big Break.

Doors open at 7:30 pm for general seating and the first act will perform starting at 8:00pm each night. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults. Snacks are available for purchase.

Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck NY. Call 516-829-2570 or go to www.goldcoastarts.org.

See also:

Lambert, Manfredi Advance in Gold Coast Arts Center’s ‘Your Big Break’ Talent Competition

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Lambert, Manfredi Advance in Gold Coast Arts Center’s ‘Your Big Break’ Talent Competition

Julia Lambert is a finalist in the 5th Annual Gold Coast Arts Center’s Your Big Break Talent Competition © 2017 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Singer-songwriters Julia Lambert, Jaclyn Manfredi and the band Barely Know Her were winners of Knockout Round of the Gold Coast Arts Center’s 5^th annual Your Big Break talent competition. Lambert and Manfredi, who won the judges’ tally, and Barely Know Her who won the audience vote, will go on to the finals on Saturday April 1.

The next round will take place on Saturday, March 11 at the Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, Long Island.

Jaclyn Manfredi advances to the finals of the Your Big Break Talent competition April 1 © 2017 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Jaclyn Manfredi, 17, brings a sultry style reflecting jazz, blues and R&B influences, and has performed at the Apollo Theater. She was a finalist at the 2016 Your Big Break. Julia Lambert who used to perform with the band Nexus, is now solo and performed an original song, “Closer.”

The band Barely Know Her was the audience favorite at the first round of Gold Coast Arts Center’s Your Big Break Talent Competition © 2017 Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

Barely Knew Her is a five-piece band from the South Shore with a solid horn section and an amazing drummer.

The other performers included Kayla Muro, a 17-year old who describes her music as “Alt Pop”; Sabrina Ali, 22, who has performed at the Bitter End and was a contestant at 16 years old on American Idol and The Voice (her grandfather was a Bollywood legend and her mother is an actress); Sydney Perruzza who did a cover of Lady Gaga’s “Speechless,” E.J. Carey who is a powerhouse who packs punch; Samantha Daniels, who has been performing since she was 16; Alex Mendes, who brings her classical training in opera and musical theater to a rich and impassioned performance that evoked in my mind Tina Turner.

EJ Carey performs at Gold Coast Arts Center’s Your Big Break Talent Competition© 2017 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The “Big Break” is not just a clever title. The young performers are competing for prizes that could well launch their career.

Winners are up for prizes including the chance to open for national acts at major venues like The Paramount, recording time at DCITY Studios and Online TV streaming opportunities, a feature on Reverbnation.com, musical equipment from All Music Inc. and ZOOM North America, a PR and social media campaign including management, booking and label services consultation with Rick Eberle Agency.

Alex Mendes performs at Gold Coast Arts Center’s Your Big Break Talent Competition© 2017 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Mentors assigned to the finalists also work to help them hone their craft before performing at the finals. 2017 mentors are still to be announced but last year’s included singer/songwriter Ryan Star, John Hampson of Nine Days, and songwriter/producer Ido Zmishlany.

Sabrina Ali performs at Gold Coast Arts Center’s Your Big Break Talent Competition© 2017 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Judges are major players in the music industry including: ReverbNation.com’s Lou Plaia, All Music Inc.’s Guy Brogna, Songwriter Tara Eberle Drouin and Label Executives Stephen Marcuccio, Jerry Lembo, Linda Ingrisano, Mark Ambrosino.

Headline duo of Katie & Lennon were both contestants in earlier editions of Your Big Break Talent Competition. Lennon still performs with his band, Youth Be Told, and Katie Zimmer performing on her own © 2017 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The evening was capped with a headlining performance by Lennon & Katie, a duo formed from past finalists, Lennon from the band Youth Be Told and Katie Zimmer who is now the lead singer in Youth Be Told.

Your Big Break is hosted by the Gold Coast Arts Center’s Acoustic Café and Love Revolution Org.

The contestants for Your Big Break were selected out of 1000 submissions in response to an open call for musicians age 15 to 25 who do not currently have a recording or publishing contract. The artists have to perform with a band or solo with an acoustic guitar or sing to a backing music track. There is no fee to submit.

Judges for the 5th Annual Gold Coast Arts Center Your Big Break Talent Competition © 2017 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Arts Center is transformed into the Gold Coast Acoustic Cafe once a month, a music venue that showcases local up-and-coming talent as well as established music acts. With its black box theater performance space and a lounge in the art gallery, the Gold Coast Acoustic Cafe is one of the few small music venues around which makes for a special and intimate atmosphere for artists and audience alike, especially during Your Big Break. Other past artists who have performed in the headline slots have included: Iridesense, John Hampson of Nine Days, The Brady Brothers, and Sir Cadian Rhythm – all of whom are local musicians who have had major success in the industry, with hopes to further inspire the next generation of New York stars presented each year.

The next round takes place Saturday March 11 at the Gold Coast Arts Center. On deck to perform are Alex Norwood, Julia Hayden, Monique Thompson, Tessa field, Paris Ray, Taylor Hogan, Lydia Von Hof and Pocketphuzz. The headliner is Lem Payne Jr.

Judges and performers at the 5th Annual Gold Coast Arts Center Your Big Break Talent Competition © 2017 Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Doors open at 7:30pm for general seating and the first act will perform starting at 8:00pm each night. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults. Snacks are available for purchase.

Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck NY. Call 516-829-2570 or go to www.goldcoastarts.org.

 

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