Last Day for Applications For 2010 MetroStar Talent Challenge

The Nightlife and Bistro Award-winning Metropolitan Room is accepting applications for the 2010 "MetroStar Talent Challenge" through Sunday June 27. This year's jury and audience-voted, elimination-round competition for singers runs for eight consecutive Mondays, from July 12 through August 30.

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 over $15,000. The grand prize-winner (named the night of the contest's finale on August 30) 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.

The first MetroStar grand prize winner, Anne Steele, whose highly praised show "Strings Attached" was a sensation in early 2009, won this year's Best Female Vocalist MAC Award. The contest's second grand-prize winner, Liz Lark Brown, has yet to perform her one-week major engagement.

With a jury consisting of two 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. Past judges have included a number of well-known cabaret and jazz artists (Allan Harris, Baby Jane Dexter, Julie Reyburn, Eric Michael Gillett, Marni Nixon, Jay Rogers, and Mary Foster Conklin served last year), and media personalities who are avid students of the art form.

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 June 30. The 2010 MetroStar Talent Challenge takes place on eight consecutive Mondays from July 12 to August 30. 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 fourth anniversary in May. For reservations call 212/206-0440.

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