In brief: Valley’s seeking Talent
The popular regional competition Valley’s Got Talent is accepting applications for its sixth annual event.
Since debuting in 2010, the community talent contest and fundraiser has become a big draw and winners have even gone on to appear in Hollywood productions. Entries are open to nonprofessional performers ages 10 and up from Stanislaus, Merced, San Joaquin, Calaveras, Tuolumne and Mariposa counties. Cash prizes will be awarded in vocal, dance, instrumental, band, specialty, audience favorite and grand prize categories.
Past winners include Lindsay Pearce, who had a guest role on “Glee” and an upcoming role in a new ABC Family series, and Drew Monson, who appeared in the Starz reality series “The Chair” and the movie “Not Cool.”
Finalists will perform at the Gallo Center for the Arts on Aug. 28-29 in front of a live audience and panel of local and national judges. Applications, rules and instructions are available to download at www.galloarts.org/vgt. There is no cost to enter, and the deadline is May 1.
Modesto High fundraiser
The Modesto High School music department isn’t taking it easy when it comes to fundraising.
The department is hosting a benefit concert featuring Eagles tribute act The Lyin’ I’s on Saturday, March 28. The Bay Area cover band performs the group’s greatest hits. Proceeds will benefit Modesto High music department programs.
Show starts at 7 p.m. at the Modesto High auditorium. Tickets are $15. Call (209) 576-4427 or visit www.mohimusic.org.
‘Masters of Soul’
Get ready to feel the history of music at the “Masters of Soul” show coming to the Gallo Center for the Arts on April 4.
The soul revue features performances of the songs, styles and choreography of the greats. “Masters of Soul” presents the hits of The Temptations, Gladys Knight and The Pips, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, The Four Tops, Diana Ross and The Supremes, The Jackson Five, Stevie Wonder, and more.
Tickets are $12-$45. Call (209) 338-2100 or visit www.galloarts.org.
Arts & Antiques’ workshop
If you’ve ever wondered what that old vase in your grandmother’s closet is worth, check out the Arts & Antiques in the Marketplace class at Columbia College this weekend.
The community education department at the college is offering the workshop on appraising and evaluating antiques and art from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 28. Students are encouraged to bring small items to class to use as examples and practice pricing. The session will be led by appraiser Kristen Kestly, former owner of the Vault Gallery.
Class registration is $25. Call (209) 588-5198 or visit www.gocolumbia.edu/comed.
Christian singer Steve Bell
Christian singer, songwriter and storyteller Steve Bell will perform two shows in the area this weekend. Bell recently released a multi-disc project, book and feature-length documentary to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his solo career. The Canadian artist’s performances will be at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Immanuel Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, and at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at Modesto Covenant Church. Admission to both shows is a freewill offering. For more, visit http://stevebell.com.
Artist scholarships
The Calaveras Arts Council is awarding artist scholarships to people interested in pursuing training or education to further their artistic interests. The awards are generally given to graduating high school seniors. But they are open to anyone interested in enhancing his or her artistic skills in the county.
The available honors are: The Robert Atkinson Artist Scholarship for the visual arts (four awards ranging from $250 to $500), the Arts of Bear Valley Scholarship for visual arts (one award for $750), the Calaveras Arts Council Scholarship for dance, writing, theater, craft design, ceramics and other nonvisual arts (one for up to $500) and the Vallecito Music Boosters Scholarship (five for $200 each).
Applications are due at the Arts Council by 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 31. Applicants must complete a form, one-page essay and letters of recommendation. Applications are available online at www.calaverasarts.org or by calling (209) 754-1774.
This story was originally published March 25, 2015 at 5:00 PM with the headline "In brief: Valley’s seeking Talent."