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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2010
Media Contact:
Kristy Nelson
Door Community Auditorium
868-2728
421-0260 (cell)
6th Door County Idol Competition at DCA
Eight Contestants from Washington Island to Southern Door
Eight Door County teens will compete for the title of the 2010 Door County Idol at the Door Community Auditorium on Saturday, February 6 at 7 p.m. For the first time in Door County Idol history, due to an overwhelming number of audition participants, this year’s group has grown from the standard six to a group of eight, and includes two competitors from Washington Island.The eight finalists, selected from over 30 teens that auditioned, represent all of Door County’s high schools. The Door Community Auditorium hosts the event, which is additionally supported by Cynthia Stiehl, The Fish Creek Civic Association, On Deck Clothing Company, Novel Ideas Book Store and The Bistro at Liberty Square.
Each contestant will perform two songs of their choice. Two young men represent Washington Island this year. Conrad McDonald is a talented musician, accompanying himself often on guitar or piano. Also from Washington Island is Ainslie Cornell, whose deep voice is reminiscent of one of his favorite musicians, Johnny Cash..
Last year’s runner-up, Monica Lenius, from Southern Door, is the sole returnee from last year’s group. Monica’s original style features passionate lyrics and piano self-accompaniment. Another vocal and piano composer is Gretchen Hathaway from Sturgeon Bay High School. Gretchen performed at the Steel Bridge Songfest last summer. She performs around the community with fellow competitor Rachael Wilson. Rachael is a senior at Sevastopol High School, and an avid cross-country running competitor. The girls can be heard singing at local Sturgeon Bay coffee shops as well as school and church productions.
Sturgeon Bay Sophomore Lauryn Davison is the youngest of the group at 15. Upon being asked if she would prefer to wait until next year to perform, Lauryn replied, “I’m ready now!” Rounding out the group this year are Gibraltar juniors Whitney House and Lilli Nelson. House accompanies herself on guitar and enjoys performing in church, school choir and plays. Nelson speaks four languages fluently, but for the Idol show, will sing in English!
The Door County Idol show is based on the popular American Idol, but rather than an elimination series, crowns its winner in just one night. Audience participation is crucial, as each audience member will have the opportunity to vote. Three judges will critique the performances as they occur and will also vote, with weighted votes, at the end of the performances. Performers are sometimes accompanied by Ben Larsen on guitar, with a backup CD, a pianist, or self-accompaniment on piano or guitar.
Nick Freimuth, DoorCounty DailyNews.com broadcaster, and his wife Karyn, will serve as co-hosts of the event. Friemuth is an accomplished singer himself and hosts a special radio program weekly dedicated to the arts.
Judges for Door County Idol traditionally change each year and represent various aspects of the local entertainment and business community. Christie Webber is a co-founder of The SteelBridge Songfest, along with her brother, recording artist Pat mAcdonald. Christie will be “scouting” for next summer’s event, along with her judging duties. David Eliot is the co-owner, publisher and production manager of the Peninsula Pulse newspaper. He also serves on the board at the Door Community Auditorium. Alan Kopischke is the development director at the Peninsula Players.
Last year’s show featured the previous four “Idol” winners, and a surprise performance from Eli Mattson, runner-up of “America’s Got Talent, 2008”. “The bar was certainly raised last year,” comments Kristy Nelson, producer of Door County Idol. “But this year we had our largest response to auditions and responded by having eight incredibly talented Door County youths make the cut.”
Assisting Nelson is co-producer, Holly Feldman and student interns, Sophie Nelson and Tanner Lundquist. Feldman holds a degree in Arts Management and Theatre and serves as the Isadoora Theatre president. She works extensively with the contestants to help them with song choices, stage comfort, movement and trying new styles of music. Sophie Nelson has watched the show each year and now will get the opportunity to see how it all goes together. Lundquist interned last year, and served also as the opening entertainment pianist. This year, he will assist in production details.
Tickets for the Door County Idol Show are $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for students, 18 and under. All tickets are available at the Door Community Auditorium box office, by phone (920.868.2828), or via the www.dcauditorium.org. The Door Community Auditorium is located in Fish Creek, just north of the town center on Highway 42.
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