Showcase and open mic at Priory Community Centre this Saturday

Young people dreaming of a career in the music industry could get one step closer to their goal this Saturday (August 6) when they get the chance to take part in a music showcase alongside professional DJs and artists.

The West London Talent Showcase, being held at Priory Community Centre, Acton Lane, from 2pm-11pm, will offer young, emerging performers the chance to appear on the same bill as established musicians like Jamaican reggae star Bushman and the urban DJ Rudy Ranks, recently seen at the Lovebox Weekender festival.  Even youngsters who turn up on the day will be able to take part, thanks to a two-hour open mike session taking place at the start of the event. 

The showcase is being organised by Community Entertainment Enterprise (CEE), a non-profit business that helps young people in West London to break into the notoriously competitive world of entertainment. CEE works with the young performers over a number of weeks, honing their skills and talent, before organising the showcase so that they can be seen by people in the industry. CEE also encourages the young people to adopt a professional attitude to their work, and liaises closely with both the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) in Shepherds Bush and Focus West, the West London media support agency, both of whom are sponsoring Saturday’s event. 

CEE founder Norman ‘Budgie’ Campbell, says: “More than 20 youngsters will be performing on Saturday, having already worked with us on how to write lyrics and how to present themselves on stage, but there are also spots open for people who may have been too nervous to come forward before – we definitely don’t want to turn anyone away. So if you’re interested, come along and work the stage, bring a CD if you have one, and network with the DJs, the elders and the business support organisations like BEC and Focus West.” 

Tickets for the talent showcase cost £5 for adults; admission for under 16s is free until 6pm and £3 thereafter. The open mic session will be between 2 and 4 pm. Anyone requiring more information can call 07930 887 097.

August 1st, 2005