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“Fayette Idol” round 2

The Villages is bursting with talent

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@TheCitizenNews.com

The overwhelming success of last year’s local talent contest appropriately dubbed “Fayette Idol” returns with renewed enthusiasm. Boasting a special guest appearance by “American Idol” Season one finalist R.J. Helton and a chance for the audience to vote on their favorite singer thanks to Verizon Wireless, this year’s show is sure to top Fayetteville’s new summer tradition.

Christian comedian Steve Geyer returns as host to keep things lively and entertaining. A veteran of stand-up comedy for over 18 years, Geyer has opened up for such well known acts as Sinbad, Billy Crystal and Ray Romano. His new comedy DVD, “Bananas,” will soon be available and has aired on PAX TV, Sky Angel and Family Net.

Last year’s big winner, Taylor Martinez, who blew everyone away with her impassioned rendition of “My Heart Will Go On,” will reprise her performance for the crowd and assist in awarding this year’s prizes. Since last year’s win, Taylor has made several special appearances including the opening day ceremony for Field of Hope, the Fayette Christmas Tree Lighting, Tyrone’s Founder’s Day, and she has even opened for Neil Sedaka.

Helton will also perform several selections from his new CD, “Real Life,” throughout the evening. Certainly an inspiration to the dozens of contestants waiting to show their stuff Friday night, he has been working on his act since he was a young boy. He gave his first public performance at an amateur talent show at the age of five. Eventually he and his family would up in Atlanta where he became the leader of his churches worship team. He got the opportunity during his last two years of high school to tour the East Coast and the Ohio Valley with a Readers Digest sponsored music concert. After graduating from high school, Helton became part of Soul Focus, a young vocal group who toured with a major Christian act.

The panel of judges assembled for this year’s event include Heather Lynn of Magic 98.1. She is the station’s production manager and studied vocal performance, and spent time as a voice coach and choir director.

Flat Rock Middle School teacher and private voice instructor, Leslie Patton lends her expertise to the proceedings. Patton has sung with the Southern Crescent Chorale and the choir at New Hope Baptist Church.

Paula Langworthy of Peachtree City, another local music and voice teacher, has used her talents recording television and radio commercials. She adds her credible opinion to the judges panel.

Kicks 101.5 gets into the act as well with the help of Buck The Truck, the station’s on-site remote personality and promoter. The Georgia Southern University graduate has also been active in local plays and improv comedy for the past ten years.

Returning form last year’s panel is Ron Simpson, owner and president of RCS Productions. Simpson’s company has been booking talent in the area since 1982 and has been involved in lining up acts for The Villages Summer Concert Series.

Verizon Wireless executive, Heather Thompson and Fayette’s Verizon manager Watkin Green will be on hand to assist the audience with the new text message voting system. Any brand of cell phone with text messaging capabilities can be used to vote. The audience’s total will count as one judge or one sixth of the vote. One lucky contestant voted as the audience favorite in the 13 and older age range will win a new EVDO (Evolution-Data Optimized) phone from Verizon. The new technology is VCAST capable, allowing the user to download 3D games and music videos in addition to internet access.

Other prizes this year, for both adult and child categories include $200 cash, a $50 savings bond from Regions bank, a pair of Nike shoes from Smith & Davis Clothing, two tickets to Coweta Family Theatre’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at The Villages Amphitheater, and two tickets to the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife Museum.

The 60 contestants will have one minute each to display their talents with the top five from both the adult and child categories returning to perform their song in its entirety.

Gates open at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children. The show gets under way at 8 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the winning vote.