In the entertainment industry, promotion is everything. It doesn't matter if you're Brian McKnight or a guitarist playing bars on the weekend, if you can't get the word out on what you're up to, people aren't going to come to your shows or buy your recordings.
As McKnight put it during our phone interview Monday, "People can't buy 100 percent of the things they don't know are available." That pretty much sums it up.
The competitors in the third annual Chautauqua's Got Talent, which will begin Monday, will battle for a few prizes, the most important of which are probably a promotional website and a press kit. The materials could help the winning act launch a career in the entertainment industry. The other competitors will have to find their own ways of promoting themselves.
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Highlights And Happenings With Scott Shelters
It was with some disbelief last weekend that I saw a man promoting his CD while getting arrested on TV. He was a "guest" on the truTV show "Bait Car," for which police entice thieves into stealing cars. Then, they catch it all on a hidden camera and arrest the criminals.
When this man found out that he wasn't just under arrest, but that his arrest would be seen by millions of American viewers, he decided he might as well boost his CD sales.
Keeping in mind what McKnight said above, I hope to help announce the weekend activities in the area for the local musicians and venues that are interested. We're trying a new look for this column this week in hopes of making each show stand out a little more. I hope it makes it easier for everyone to find out what's going on this weekend and down the road.
Here's what's coming up:
HIGHLIGHTS
Jerry Seinfeld Tickets On Sale Friday: Jerry Seinfeld will bring stand-up comedy to the Warner Theatre in Erie on April 19. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. To purchase tickets, visit erieevents.com or call 814-452-4857.
'Sound of Music' Auditions To Be Held Sunday: Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown will host auditions for boys and girls ages 5-17 for "Sound of Music" on Sunday at 1 p.m., while auditions for adults ages 18 and up will follow, beginning at 3:30. Auditioners should be prepared to sing a selection of their choice, preferably from the show. They should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Those who can't attend and those seeking more information can call 665-5750.
Chautauqua's Got Talent To Begin Monday: Big Time Productions, in conjunction with The Post-Journal, will present Chautauqua's Got Talent, beginning Monday at 7 p.m. The winning act will receive $500 cash, a website and a promotional press kit.
The third annual countywide talent competition will be held at The Spire, 317 E. Third St., Jamestown and will run Mondays through March 26.
This year's contest will be hosted by local performer and radio personality Matt Warren. Much like the TV show "America's Got Talent," this contest will have a judges' panel that will offer constructive criticism, but the audience will decide the winner. The results for each stage of the competition will be printed in The Post-Journal on Tuesdays following performances. Tickets are on sale at Jamestown Savings Bank Arena and the Labyrinth Press Company for $6 pre-sale and $7 at the door per night, or $20 for a pass to all nights. Find and "like" Chautauqua's Got Talent on Facebook for opportunities to get discounts on tickets.
HAPPENINGS
TONIGHT
Woodsongs: 7, Labyrinth Press Company, 12 E. Fourth St., Jamestown. The live recording of Woodsongs Coffeehouse Radio Hour will feature classical guitarist David Allen Coester, singer-songwriter Steve Piper and host Ken Hardley. Guests are asked to be seated by 6:45.
Blue Grass Jam: 7-10, Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave., Celoron. All area bluegrass musicians are welcome to sit in and play.
Brian McKnight: 8, Jamestown Savings Bank Arena. Tickets start at $30. Call 484-2624 or visit jamestownarena.com.
FRIDAY NIGHT
Brian Hanna: 6-9, The Lakeview, 13 Water St., Mayville.
Mandisa with Britt Nicole: 7, Reg Lenna Civic Center, 116 E. Third St., Jamestown. General admission tickets are $18 pre-sale or $21 at the door. "Artist Circle" tickets are $22.50. Visit fln.org/tickets or call 800-927-9083.
Blues and Pizza Night: 7-9, Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, 115 E. Third St., Jamestown. Blues and Pizza Night features the Infinity Blues Group and collaborations between Infinity students, instructors, staff and local musicians.
The New Direction Band: 8-midnight, Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave., Celoron. There will also be a best boots and dance contest.
Derek Davis and The Tasty Groove: 10, The Lakeview, 13 Water St., Mayville.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Steve, Charity and Amanda of Big Leg Emma: 8-11, Lakewood Legion, 174 Chautauqua Ave., Lakewood. Admission to the show will be free.
Brian Hanna: 9-midnight, Pine Junction, 9757 Bailey Hill Road, Sherman.
The M-80's: 9-1, Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave., Celoron.
Cindy Haight: 10, Steener's Pub, 322 Route 430, Greenhurst.
The Weekend Entertainment Events Preview highlights concerts, festivals and other happenings in the region in each Thursday's paper. Suggestions for submission can be sent to Scott Shelters by emailing sshelters@post-journal.com or by calling 487-1111, ext. 253.