See the stars of tomorrow at Asbury Park's Got Talent 2023 final
Who's the next big star from Asbury Park?
He or she might be on stage from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at the final round of 2023's Asbury Park's Got Talent showcase.
Most of this year's talent are kids 9 to 13, said show producer Diane Shelton, Community Outreach Specialist for the city's Interfaith Neighbors.
“They are excited and they are nervous,” Shelton said. “The judges have given them great suggestions on how to improve their performances. Because they were nervous some had their hands in their pockets and some were speaking away from the mic. So there were a lot of little things, but they left with encouraging words.”
There will be more than a dozen rappers, singers, dancers and comedians in the spotlight on Saturday. Participants include Peyton Britt, Alexis Santigo, Sarabi Alls, Adstee Colin, Malonie Johnson, Esther Auguste, Thamara Maxi, Lormendine Telia, Brayan Jeaban, Raven Peterson, Rob “Holla” Bowne, and the DJK Drum Squad with Daylin Bunting, Kevan Crawford and Jaydin Handy. They are vying for cash awards and prizes.
Kelly Weedon is the emcee and Ryver Bey, a local talent herself, will guest perform.
Judges include Jessiemae Ricks, Asbury Park School Board; Angela Ahbez-Anderson, Asbury Park City Council; Jon Leidersdorff, Lakehouse Music Academy; and Alexandra Hayes, Community & Public Relations, New Jersey Natural Gas.
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The APGT shows began in 2019 when Shelton heard from city youth about the need for more creative outlets during Wells Fargo Regional Foundation Planning Grant discussions with area young people and Interfaith Neighbors.
“They said there was no place for them to showcase their talent and this is how this was born,” Shelton said.
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Go: Asbury Park's Got Talent 2023 Final Showcase, 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6, Asbury Park Senior Center, 2nd Floor, 1201 Springwood Ave., Asbury Park, free; interfaithneighbors.org/event/asbury-parks-got-talent-2023/.
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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Asbury Park Got Talent finals set for Asbury Park Senior Center
