5 Semifinalists Move On In METROSTAR TALENT CHALLENGE, Finale Held 8/31

On Monday 10 quarterfinalists performed for a very live audience at The Metropolitan Room as week 5 of the "MetroStar Talent Challenge," an eight-week jury and audience-voted singers' competition, reached a rousing climax. The five semifinalists who will go head to head next Monday, August 17, are Cornelius Bates, Liz Lark Brown, Carole Bufford, Danielle Grabianowski, and David Gurland.

Lennie Wat ts, in his role as host and pressure-reducer, kept the proceedings running good-naturedly as the audience consistently broke out into spirited ovations. On hand as judges were the critic Roy Sander, who serves as the contest's jury chairman, and visiting judges Allan Harris, Julie Reyburn, and Ricky Ritzel. Next week's visiting celebrity jurists will be the television host and performer Bill Boggs and the actor Jay Rogers.

A career-boosting prize package worth over $15,000 will be awarded to the competition's grand prize-winner and two runner-ups on Monday August 31. (The three finalists, who will be picked from among the five semifinalists after next Monday's show, will go head to head in two rounds of finals, on August 24 and 31.) For the grand prize winner the Metropolitan Room will produce and present a week-long, prime-time engagement in the winter, plus a multi-track "Live at The Metropolitan Room" recording of the new show. The runner-ups will open for the winner and receive demo recordings of their appearances.

Open to performers of all ages and backgrounds who have not played a major engagement at The Metropolitan Room, "MetroStar" is encouraging singers to present well-rounded stage performances in which creativity, innovation and authenticity are prized over vocal fireworks.

For all the latest "MetroStar Talent Challenge" information, consult the club's Web site at www.metropolitanroom.com All shows are 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 third anniversary in May. For reservations call 212/206-0440.

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