Guests of Crocker Art Museum’s Block is Hot Talent Search were able to witness and enjoy firsthand the diversity of our communities as various musicians, dancers, poet and other artists showcased their talents at a series of three talent searches.
The talent search, which was held Jan. 24, Jan. 30, and Feb. 6, will give selected audition contestants the opportunity to perform at the Block by Block Parties at spring and summer dates to be announced. The Parties are scheduled to take place in Sacramento City Council Districts 2, 5 and 8.
Participants of the talent search will be notified by the end of February if they are selected.
The initial talent search at Sol Collective was followed by a second audition at the Roberts Family Development Center (RFDC) and a final audition at the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum.
The RFDC, which focuses on strengthening family literacy also provides quality childcare and other services, attracted about 20 acts. Host Terry Moore did a great work in making sure auditions did not go over the five minute time limit. Moore’s sense of humor was quite amusing as he entertained the audience in between acts.
Moore also announced that the Block by Block party in District 2 will be held on May 7 at Grant High School.
The Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum’s auditions coincided with the museum’s African Market Place, which takes place the first Saturday of the month, and the museum was packed. This venue also drew the largest number of participants to the auditions.
Host Petri Hawkins-Byrd (known for his role as bailiff on the court program Judge Judy TV show) was quite the entertainer at the third rendition of auditions. I thoroughly enjoyed his humor as he told funny stories, did impersonations, sang and tried to keep the audition process moving.
Since this last event drew the most participants it went longer than anticipated. Some equipment difficulties also slowed down the pace but this audition brought the most diverse and talented participants.
Once scheduled, the Block by Block Parties will showcase much of the talent that participated in the auditions. Besides the talent selected, the Parties will showcase art, community involvement, food and local vendors.
To keep abreast of the the Block by Block Parties, visit crockerblockbyblock.org. The final dates and places for the Parties will be posted as they are selected.
More photos from the auditions can be found at the following links: The Roberts Family Development Center and The Sojourner Truth Art Museum.
Photos by David Alvarez
