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110 audition in Hoosier Star competition
12 finalists will compete June 23 for the most votes from the audience



LA PORTE -- Out of 110 hopefuls at the second annual Hoosier Star contest held March 17 and 18, performers from La Porte, Michigan City and Mill Creek were among the 12 finalists.

Auditions for the amateur soloists were held at The La Porte Little Theatre, where performers could choose their own accompanist, CD or karaoke machine, or sing a cappella. A piano accompanist was provided.

Applicants were drawn from La Porte, Porter, Lake, St. Joseph and Starke counties in Indiana and Berrien County, Mich.

Judging the singers were Sheryl Edwards, Bruce Johnson, Gloria Jones, Steve Mast and Curt Passafume.

Contestants offered up a variety of musical genres including pop, country, jazz, gospel, Broadway, classical and opera.

THE FINALISTS

Youth division winners: Camille Burnett, La Porte, Gabby Gootee, Crown Point, Jenny Hartson, La Porte, Megan Jones, Michigan City, Sarah Kampf, Michigan City and Carter Perry, La Porte.

Adult division winners: Rick Barnes, La Porte, Danyelle Gumz, Mill Creek, Roscoe Hoffman, Michigan City, Sue McLain, La Porte, Kathy Spiegel, La Porte and Brandon Williams, Michigan City.

The finalists will perform at the Hoosier Star contest, a fund-raiser for the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra, at the La Porte Civic Auditorium on June 23. They’ll perform with the orchestra and with Dr. Groovy and the Soul Surgeons.

After each song, three on-stage commentators will share their thoughts about the performer’s stage presence, vocal range, style and talent. Joe Mellen of Michigan City will be the master of ceremonies.

The audience will vote for the Hoosier Star winners. The three top finishers in each category will receive cash prizes of $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place.

The $20 fee for the auditions will be contributed to the fund-raising event for the orchestra.