Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

HIT Idol to showcase local, national talent

IRONWOOD — Local and national talent will take the stage at the Historic Ironwood Theatre this weekend with two nights of HIT Idol performances.

The third annual HIT Idol contest will feature more than 40 finalists from Michigan’s Gogebic and Ontonagon counties and Wisconsin’s Iron and Vilas counties, selected after two weekends of auditions. The finalists will compete Friday at 7 p.m. in three age groups: Youth, fifth through eighth grade; high school, freshmen through seniors; and young adults, ages 17-29.

“An entertaining show is planned with two large group numbers featuring all of the participants, a special number performed by last year’s six winners and solo performances encompassing multiple musical genres,” said Janie Williams, HIT Idol musical director. Singers will perform contemporary music, classic rock, country, pop, rhythm and blues, jazz, folk, inspirational and musical theatre selections.

The winners will be announced on Saturday at a concert featuring “American Idol” season 10 finalist Casey Abrams, starting at 7 p.m. The finalists will open for Abrams and contest winners will be announced at the start of Saturday’s concert.

Abrams will perform a mix of R&B, jazz standards and original songs. He sings while playing the upright bass or accompanied by acoustic guitar.

“Last year’s show was outstanding, and HIT Idol 2013 promises to be even better,” Williams said.

Tickets are available at the theater’s box office, by phone at 906-932-0618 or online at ironwoodtheatre.net.