The University of Northern Iowa’s College of Business and Administration will begin tryouts for its fifth annual talent show Feb. 22. Contestants are preparing for the chance to be one of the top three acts and win $700. Those selected are then chosen to perform for the College of Business and Administration’s graduation celebration award ceremony April 22 in the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.
“We are looking for anything we find amusing. Last year we had just about anything imaginable including an auctioneer and a break dance performance,” said April Pearson, co-president of the President’s Council and head of the Talent Show Committee.
Tryouts for the talent show can include musical performances, standup comedy, drama, dance, improv or any other talent that may catch the attention of the judges. Auditions are limited to 20 minutes and a minimum of one CBA student must be in the group. Any undergraduate student is allowed to tryout.
Bryan Hendrickson and Justin Beal, members of “Hot Dogg and the Cool Cats,” feel their group has what it takes to stand out from all the others trying out. Hendrickson and Beal’s group is comprised of two guitar players, a bass player and a drummer. According to Beal they play a “funky and bluesy” style and just enjoy “jamming and playing music.”
“We want to have fun up there performing and we want those watching us to have fun. To sit down with other musicians and find the groove, it’s the coolest thing in the world,” Beal added.
The panel of judges includes five committee members on the President’s Council. The performances are videotaped and judges refer back to them to decide who had the best tryout. For those wishing to be one of the top three tryouts, Pearson offers this bit of advice.
“First sign up,” he said. “Last year we had a total of twenty, but this year not as many have signed up. The other thing I would tell those trying out is to make it upbeat and remember it’s a celebration to honor the graduates.”
An upbeat performance is something Hendrickson and Beal are aiming for as members of “Hot Dogg and the Cool Cats.” Their band will play all original music from songs they have been working on. Hendrickson feels his band is prepared and encourages everyone to check out the tryouts.
“It will be a good time,” he said. “People should go and check out live and local music. Every artist they listen to started somewhere.”
“We are going to have a bass solo and a drum solo for something fun and funky,” Beal said.
Those wanting to compete for a chance to be one of the top three acts and receive the $700 prize can sign up in the Dean’s Office located in room 325 of the Curris Business Building. Signup can take place 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Participants and judges prepare for fifth annual CBA Talent Show tryouts
Published: Monday, February 8, 2010
Updated: Monday, February 8, 2010
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