'Next Big Thing' finals approach

More than 25 talented local performers will compete at the Hanford Civic Auditorium the evening of April 13 for more than $1,000 in cash prizes and the right to be dubbed King's County's next breakout star at the 5th Annual Next Big Thing Talent Show competition.

"This event has grown to become a yearly tradition for our community, but also a yearly venue and outlet for local performers to showcase their talent," said Joey Perez, Founder of J-Live Entertainment. Perez, along with the help of friends and family created the Next Big Thing Talent Show five years ago while still in high school.

On March 5, 2003, the Next Big Thing Talent Show was born. Since that day the competition has given more than 1,000 contestants from all over the Central Valley an opportunity to perform on stage, awarded over $10,000 in cash prizes to local winners, expanded the competition to yearly attractions at the Kings Fair and Big Fresno Fair, and even helped in sending their first champion, Hanford's Melinda Lira, to the Top 24 of American Idol's season four competition.

"I would have never thought five years ago, that our show would be as successful as it is today," said Perez.

Although amazed by the show's success, Perez still is determined to take the competition to new heights. This year's winners will not only take home the cash prizes, but they will also be given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to open for a chart topping R&B/Hip-Hop group Pretty Ricky during the group's national tour stop in Hanford on April 27.

This year's competition consists of Singers, Rappers, Dancers, Bands, and even a talented Poet.

"Our fifth year anniversary show will go down as the toughest competition to date. There is so many talented individuals in the show this year that it is tough to even predict who will win", said Perez.

The show will also feature performances from the Kings Dance Center and past champions and contestants such as: Looka Le, The Heat Committee and Tonya Louise. Future contestants will also have the opportunity to sign up at the event for the Next Big Thing Kings Fair competition in July.

The 5th Annual Next Big Thing Talent Show takes place April 13 at the Hanford Civic Auditorium with doors opening at 6:30 pm. Tickets are on sale at Senor Boogies Restaurant in Hanford and are $15 pre-sale and $20 the day of event.

For more information please call 362-4046 or check on-line at www.jliveent.com.

(April 6, 2007)