There may be a chill in the air, but there’s an excitement heating up as Futures Fest organizers at Innovations Music embark on presenting the emerging stars of tomorrow.
Now in its 16th year, Futures Fest kicks off Saturday, March 20 at the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) with 50 charged and focused performers.
This year the five- to 20-year-old artists will perform in various categories: musical theatre, country, pop and variety, which includes classical, jazz, instrumental and contemporary.
“A festival like this gives young people an opportunity to hone their craft,” says organizer Martha Livingstone who likens the competition to a sporting event.
“When people work hard, they’re learning a craft. When you’re on the stage, it’s like a game. If you just practice, you don’t fully understand the game.”
Livingstone has shepherded numerous performers since 1994 and believes that “from year to year the stage mileage improves the quality of their performances.”
The adjudicators are Bev Armstrong and Linda Selleck from Capital Ex’s Northern Talent Search and Stan Livingstone of Innovations Music. “We will be picking singers to perform at Capital Ex and to go to the semi-finals at St. Albert Idol.”
The top two winners in the five- to eight-year category receive gift certificates. The first place recipient in the nine- to 12-year category receives a $200 recording package while the second-place winner gets a gift certificate. In the seniors’ category over 13, the top two frontrunners receive recording packages. The top two in each category also receive WEM Water Park passes.
The competition runs from 5:30 to 11 p.m. RAM is at 12845 – 102 Ave. Door tickets are adults $10 and children $7.
