Senior Idol looking for unique talents

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This article was published 24/04/2016 (2923 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If you are 50 or over and have a special talent, you could be Manitoba’s next Senior Idol.

The competition, scheduled for Wed., June 22, is fast becoming a tradition at the Red River Exhibition, organizers Frank Adamson and Stan Lesk said.

Adamson, a North Kildonan resident, and Lesk are both veteran Canadian performers. Adamson’s credits include a recurring role as Sergeant Brown on the CBC show Seeing Things, several parts in Street Legal, and Rolly Fox in the The Terry Fox Story.

Lesk has appeared on memorable comedy shows Bizarre and SCTV and is a member of Rainbow Stage’s Hall of Fame thanks to appearing in 25 different productions.

The two have known each other for many years and said it was inevitable they would work together. Their initial idea was for a sitcom based on two bad handymen who somehow figure it out. That did not progress, so they approached the Red River Exhibition about Senior Idol.

Both admit they are fortunate to be able to do what they love on a regular basis. Not everyone has those opportunities, especially as they get older, Adamson said.

“People reach a certain age and they are looking for a second chance. They have talent and maybe they haven’t used it for a while.”

Adamson added that while there is prize money available to the top three performers, that is secondary. The judges, who in the past have included Ray St. Germain, offer plenty of support and tips.

“We don’t want anyone to feel any pressure.”

Lesk said that while the show, celebrating its ninth anniversary, attracts plenty of singers, anyone with a talent they want to share is welcome.

“One year we had an original vaudevillian, one of the last, who performed at the old Beacon Theatre. He was 92. We also had a professional yodeller who called himself the Polish Cowboy.”

The pair’s vision is of a variety show where the audience has no idea what they will see next.

“We are looking for all styles of music, bands, dancers, everything. We are looking for an America’s Got Talent style of show,” Lesk said.

They also want to see performers come from all across Manitoba.

“There are all sorts of people who are known in their hometowns as great performers,” Lesk said. “We want to see them come out too.”

“Some people are unsure but then get up there and blow you away with their voice,” Adamson said. “People come back every year.”

The only stipulation for performers is they have to be a minimum of 50 years old, Adamson and Lesk said. The pair meets with everyone who signs up so they can plan the show but everything else is up to the performer.

Anyone interested can visit www.redriverex.com or phone Adamson at 204-957-7908.

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