On Saturday, Feb. 11, the Gold Coast Arts Center and Love Revolution Org kicked off the first round of the 5th Annual “Your Big Break” competition to a sold-out house of enthusiastic attendees, cheering their favorites on.
Singer-songwriters Julia Lambert, Jaclyn Manfredi, and Sydney Perruzza were winners of the knockout round, along with a headlining performance by Lennon & Katie.
The next round will take place on Saturday, March 11 at 8 p.m. at 113 Middle Neck Road in Great Neck, with a headline performance by last year’s winner, Matt Grabowski.
Judges for this year’s competition include ReverbNation.com’s Lou Plaia, All Music Inc.’s Guy Brogna, songwriter Tara Eberle Druin, and label executives Stephen Marcuccio, Jerry Lembo, Linda Ingrisano, and Mark Ambrosino.
Performers will be 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, and a PR and social media campaign, including management, booking and label services consultation with the Rick Eberle Agency.
The lineup for knockout round 2 includes:
* 8-8:10 p.m.: Alex Norwood
* 8:20-8:30 p.m.: Julia Hayden
* 8:40-8:50 p.m.: City Alley
* 9-9:10 p.m.: Tessa Field
* 9:10-9:20 p.m.: Intermission
* 9:20-9:30 p.m.: Paris Ray
* 9:40-9:50 p.m.: Taylor Hogan
* 10:00-10:10 p.m.: Lydia Von Hof
* 10:20-10:30 p.m.: Times Like These
* 10:30-10:45 p.m.: Headliner Matt Grabowski
Mentors assigned to the finalists also work to help them hone their craft before performing at the finals on April 1.
2017’s mentors include American Idol’s Robbie Rosen, with more still to be determined — while last year’s were singer/songwriter Ryan Star, John Hampson of Nine Days, and songwriter/producer Ido Zmishlany.
During very special occasions, the Arts Center is transformed into the Gold Coast Acoustic Cafe, 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 cafe is one of the few small music venues around which makes for a special and intimate atmosphere for artists and audiences alike, especially during “Your Bid Break.”
Other past artists who have performed in the headline slots have included: Gnarly Karma, Annika, Iridesense, John Hampson of Nine Days, The Brady Brothers, and Sir Cadian Rhythm — all of whom are local musicians who’ve had major success in the industry, with hopes to further inspire the next generation of New York stars presented each year.
So join the Gold Coast Arts Center and Love Revolution Org as they present round two of the competition this weekend.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $10 students/$15 adults.
Refreshments will be available for purchase as well.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://goldcoastarts.org/your-big-break-knockout-round-2/.
