The popular local talent competition that boasts singing sensation Jackie Evancho and the face of the Eat n’ Park restaurant chain Sarah Marince as former contestants is undergoing a makeover for its ninth season. Among the changes to the “Kean Idol” Talent Contest is a new name, “Kean Quest Talent Search,” a new logo and a greater focus on the vocal competition. Presented by St. Barnabas Charities “Kean Quest Talent Search” will take to the stage of the Kean Theatre, 5847 Meridian Road, Jan. 29 through March 30, 2012.
Amateur singers of all ages are eligible to perform in the local version of the popular TV hits “American Idol” and “The Voice.” The contest will again offer an adult category specifically for vocalists age 19 and older. “Kean Quest Talent Search is an opportunity for individuals of all ages to showcase their vocal talent, gain stage experience and help a local charity. The competition has seen contestants go on to perform at public events in the Pittsburgh area, national competitions and to study abroad. Jackie Evancho, an ‘America’s Got Talent’ finalist, competed for Kean Idol in 2008 and 2009,” said Debbie Panei, Director of Development for St. Barnabas Charities.
For more information or to register, call (724) 443-0800, ext. 5310 or visit www.keantheatre.com. There is a $25 registration fee to enter; contestants will be asked to sell 7 tickets to the performance. Contestants may join the competition as space is available.
The schedule for the 2012 “Kean Quest Talent Search” is:
Sunday, Jan. 29 Vocal Round 1, 1 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 26 Vocal Round 2, 1 p.m.
Vocal Round 3, 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 4 Vocal Round 4, 1 p.m.
Adult Vocal, 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 11 Vocal Round 5, 1 p.m.
Vocal Round 6, 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 18 Vocal Semi-Final 1, 1 p.m.
Vocal Semi-Final 2, 5 p.m.
Friday, March 30 Vocal Finals, 7 p.m.
Tickets to the “Kean Quest Talent Search” are $10 and proceeds from will benefit St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, which in 2010 provided more than $4.7 million to needy patients at St. Barnabas Nursing Home, Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas and The Arbors at St. Barnabas who otherwise would not be able to afford their care. Northern Connection Magazine is the signature sponsor.
The Kean Theatre is open to the public and has built a reputation for its convenient location, free parking, quality entertainment and elegant setting. The theatre is operated by St. Barnabas Charities, the fund-raising arm of St. Barnabas Health System. St. Barnabas Health System includes St. Barnabas Nursing Home, Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas, The Arbors at St. Barnabas, The Village at St. Barnabas, The Woodlands at St. Barnabas, White Tail Ridge, The Washington Place at St. Barnabas, St. Barnabas Medical Center and Rudolph Auto Repair.
www.stbarnabashealthsystem.com
St. Barnabas Health System, Media Relations, 5850 Meridian Rd., Gibsonia, PA 15044-9667
