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Letter to the editor

Talent battle keeps growing

By CRISTINA SILVA, Times Staff Writer
Published September 26, 2007

ST. PETERBURG - For nearly a decade, the Bay Area Idol contest has given local youths a shot at something great. On stage, in front of a concert hall of people, they could sing, dance, stomp, perform a monologue and maybe win money.

This year's event, which will be Saturday at the Palladium Theatre in downtown St. Petersburg, will be bigger than ever. Back-to-back commercials have advertised the event on television in recent weeks.

Local celebrities are set to help judge the final talent showcase. It will be hosted by Orlando, a popular Wild 98.7 FM disc jockey.

It's a far cry from what started as a better-than-average Christmas party for local teenagers at a St. Petersburg community center a decade ago.

Then, local activist Eric Green wanted to give kids something positive to do after school. Green, a New York native who grew up addicted to talent shows at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, decided to throw a talent competition.

The event is also one of the biggest fundraisers for Everyone's Youth United, a Child's Park grass roots organization Green founded that essentially serves as a nonprofit community center for St. Petersburg youth. Community leaders herald the event as a rare mixing pot showcase.

"It just keeps getting bigger and bigger," said Thomas Jackson, recreation manager for the city of St. Petersburg. "I really tip my hat off to Eric for doing something that really helps the kids."

More than 20 performers are scheduled for Saturday's competition. There will be $10,000 in cash prizes given out that day. All of the participants will be given a medal honoring their work. The winners will get trophies and giant Ed McMahon-style checks.

IF YOU GO

Bay Area Idol

Where: The Palladium Theatre

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Tickets: $10 beforehand, $12 at the door.

Information: Call Everyone's Youth United at 321-0060.

[Last modified September 25, 2007, 22:14:43]