Met Room Announces 2011 METROSTAR Contest

Through Friday July 1, New York's Metropolitan Room is accepting applications for this year's 2011 "MetroStar Talent Challenge." The jury and audience-voted, elimination-round singers competition runs for eight consecutive Mondays, from July 11 through August 29.

Open to solo singers and vocal duos of all ages and backgrounds who have not played a major engagement at The Metropolitan Room, "MetroStar" offers a career-boosting package of prizes and professional encouragements worth up to $10,000. The grand prize-winner (named the night of the contest's finale on August 29) will win a fully produced, prime-time booking at the Metropolitan Room, and a professionally produced live recording of this upcoming show. (The club invites several prominent professionals and artists to collaborate with the winner.) The two runner-ups will open for the winner and receive demo recordings of their appearances.

T. Oliver Reid, last summer's third annual "MetroStar Talent Challenge" winner, triumphed in his major engagement at the club. His professional cabaret debut in February was called, "an unfaltering emotional high-wire act" by Stephen Holden in The NY Times.

With a jury consisting of four permanent members and a rotating roster of celebrity judges, "MetroStar" encourages singers to present well-rounded stage performances in which creativity, innovation and authenticity are prized over vocal fireworks. The contest's permanent jurists include cabaret writer Roy Sander (the chairman), producer Sherry Eaker, critic Rob Lester and the Metropolitan Room's own Joseph Macchia and Tanya Holt who together occupy one seat on the jury.

To apply, performers must submit an application accompanied with a CD or recording (either by mail or via e-mail). For details and downloadable application form, visit www.metropolitanroom.com

This year's eligible talent pool will be announced on Wednesday July 6. The 2011 MetroStar Talent Challenge takes place on eight consecutive Mondays from July 11 to August 29. All shows are all at 7pm; the cover charge for all shows is $20, with a two-drink minimum. Rated "Best of New York" by New York Magazine, the Nightlife and Bistro Award-winning Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, celebrated its fifth anniversary in May. For reservations call 212/206-0440 or to order online visit www.metropolitanroom.com

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