The first of four Showtime in Sanford events kicks off Season 5 for the local talent competition that pays $500 for the best of 10 performances each night.
Following its sold out Season 4 finale in December, Showtime will feature some new artists and sponsors.
“I like the fact that there’s diversity in the ages,” said Calico tha Surrealist, aka Lawrence Gordon, CEO of Surrealist Entertainment that produces the shows.
“We’ll have some kids coming up there this time,” he added.
“I also like the fact that people are still repeating their attempts to compete. When they perform again, it shows this is something they enjoy doing,” he said.
There is a variety of acts to including dancers, rappers, singers, a poet and two saxophone players. The Show starts at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at the Woman’s Club of Sanford at 309 S. Oak Ave., Sanford. Doors open at 7.
Performers are MLB Lil Grind, a young rapper; audience favorite saxophonist Jordan Bolds; Patrick; Christian rappers JTK and Kill$hot; singer Tony Marquee; Jacob; The Showout Girls dance team; singer Rachel Israel; poet Kemani Ellington; and young Ezekiel.
Who will win the $500 for a 5-minute performance? The prize money will be awarded by Davion Hampton, a community leader from TD Barr Construction.
Other sponsors this year include the Lake Mary Bilingual Academy, who is sponsoring the entire season; Filomena’s pizza; Mooyah Burgers and Fries; Yellow Door Realty; Ja’vion Mcvadian, former winner of Showtime from Heavy Set Sexy; and the Sanford Herald.
Showtime house band The Fine Line will provide music during breaks and serve as the soundtrack of the event.
Calico said he is happy to have special guest Royce Reed, a former dancer with the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat, to open Thursday night’s festivities.
The Surrealist team will be back working to produce the show, said Calico, who also hosts the Surreal Talk Radio show on WPRK-91.5 FM.
Showtime will have refreshments, including snacks, drinks and pizza from Filomena’s as well as some vendors selling their creations.
As usual, the top three contestants as chosen by a pair of judges and audience appreciation will be eligible for the Season 5 finale in December. Other Showtime events will be held on the third Thursdays in June (the 19) and Sept. 18 with the finale on Dec. 18.
For tickets, go to EventBrite.com and search Showtime in Sanford Season 5. Prices are $15 for adults and $5 for children.
“The start of a new season is always special,” Calico told the Herald. “I really think it’s going to be a good show.”
