Langley Has Talent semifinals whittle 25 down to 13

While the number of contenders has dropped each year, the quality of talented entries overall has improved tremendously.

Or so says Peter Luongo, a member of the selection panel for 2014’s Langley Has Talent.

“The talent was so good we didn’t feel we could leave the 25th person out,” he said.

It’s that quality of talent and the mix of artistic forms competing in this year’s contest that promises to make for impressive semifinal event this weekend, added Luongo, the event founder and a life-time entertainer.

Earlier this year, 55 people auditioned to be part of the fourth annual Langley Has Talent. That number was cut down to 25 following two days of auditions.

Now, at the end of Saturday night’s show, that number will be whittled down further.

A panel of judges – featuring talent agent Joilenne Moore, Natasha Zimbaro, and John Donnelly – is tasked with selecting the top 12 contenders.

There will be a fan favourite, as well. The audience at the March 29 competition will have an opportunity to vote and pick the 13th person to make it through to the April 12 finals, Luongo explained.

While a large crowd is expected for Saturday’s semifinals, contest organizers have partnered with the school district this year to attract even more families.

Every local student receives a voucher for free admission when accompanied by an adult.

“This is a chance for us to reach out, for people in the community to see some of the talent available and to be inspired by it,” Luongo said.

The underlying purpose behind this Rotary Club event is to draw attention to the need for a community theatre.

So, this is also a chance for the community’s future leaders to see and become engrossed in the arts and to begin to understand the need for a theatre in Langley in which to host all these performers, Luongo elaborated.

Awareness efforts during the past four-year existence of Langley Has Talent seems to be working, according to the retired principal. He noted that a joint feasibility study is underway looking into the need and viability of a community theatre.

In the meantime, the competition continues – as well – and spotlights a lot of local talent.

This year’s contenders include soloists, duets, and trios singing, as well as bands, a unicyclists, a circus-like acrobat, and numerous dancers.

“We’ve been very impressed with the level of talent that’s come forward this year, and so to will the audience,” Luongo said, noting the competitors range in age from a 10-year-old Aldergrove dancer to a 60-year-old singer.

Tickets are $20 each and available online at www.langleyhastalent.com. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with the show at 7 p.m.

Who are the 2014 talent contenders? (Click here)

Readers can view a picture and biography on each of the 25 semifinalists at www.langleyadvance.com, search “Langley Has Talent”