The Hopkins Band trying out
In-person tryouts for seniors age 60+ are happening starting this coming Tuesday throughout the Tennessee Valley through June 27 for the Morning Pointe Foundation’s 5th Annual Seniors Got Talent variety show.
The show will take place on Monday, July 29 at 7 p.m. the Silverdale Center Creekside Theater at 7236 Bonny Oaks Dr. in Chattanooga, part of the Silverdale Baptist Academy campus next to the sports fields.
The Morning Pointe Foundation puts on the show in conjunction with Morning Pointe Senior Living.
However, auditions are open to all seniors age 60+, not just Morning Pointe residents.
Acts have included singers, musicians, dancers, poets, comedians and more.
The grand-prize winner will receive $1,000, and prizes will also be given to second- ($500) and third-place ($250) winners. A People’s Choice winner will be determined by attendee votes.
In-person auditions will take place starting next week at local Morning Pointe Senior Living campuses:
- Tuesday, June 18 from 5-7 p.m. at Morning Pointe of East Hamilton at 1776 Generations Way in Ooltewah, phone 423-212-1208;
- Thursday, June 20 from 6-7 p.m. at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga at 7719 Shallowford Road, phone 423-296-0097;
- Thursday, June 27 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Morning Pointe of Hixson at 5501 Old Hixson Pike, phone 423-847-1370;
- Thursday, June 27 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Morning Pointe of Collegedale at Greenbriar Cove at 9650 Leyland Dr., phone 423-396-6999; and
- Thursday, June 27 from 5-6 p.m. at Morning Pointe at Happy Valley at 2989 Happy Valley Road in Rossville, Ga., phone 706-916-2777.
So far, several singers, a dancer, a poet, a pianist and a hammered dulcimer player have signed up to try out. Auditions can also be submitted
online at morningpointefoundation.com/events/seniors-gottalent/ through June 28.
Acts showcasing talents of all kinds are welcome, but should not exceed three minutes in length. Ten seniors or groups will ultimately be selected to perform in the big show. Contestants will be judged on technical ability, stage presence and professionalism, appearance/costume, difficulty of act and originality/creativity.
“If you are 60 years young or up and have any sort of performing talent, don’t miss this opportunity to shine, meet other talented seniors and maybe even win some money,” said Miranda Perez, Morning Pointe Foundation executive director. “We’ve heard from so many of our contestants through the years that this show is a lot of fun, and some have even said it’s bucket-list worthy.”
Gino D, radio personality with Hits 96 in Chattanooga, is debuting as master of ceremonies for Seniors Got Talent. Judges for this year will be Steve Darmody, award-winning Christian recording artist; Danielle Farrell, author, dancer and director of Raw Art Dance & Entertainment Dance Academy; Josh Robinson, executive producer of The Daily Refresh on NewsChannel 9 in Chattanooga; and Susan Caminez, executive director of the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra.
Tickets for the Morning Pointe Foundation Seniors Got Talent show are $10 and are now available at silverdaleba.thundertix.com/events/.
Proceeds from the show will go to the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit public service organization, to support nursing and other college scholarships. The Morning Pointe Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living founded by senior healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow. The Foundation was created in 2014 to provide caregiver support programs, sponsor educational awareness events and fund scholarships that advance the care of seniors throughout the Southeast.
Last year’s showcase highlighted some amazing winners. First place went to pianist Bonnie Hannah for her original arrangement of a patriotic medley. Second place went to singer Jim Herman, for his rendition of, “Bless This House.” Pianist and singer Crystal Little took third place for her spirited performance of “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow.”
The Morning Pointe Foundation hosts four Seniors Got Talent shows each year. Besides Chattanooga, shows are held in Franklin and Knoxville, Tennessee, as well as Lexington, Kentucky.
To learn more or inquire about sponsorships for Seniors Got Talent, contact Miranda Perez at 423-238-5330 or visit morningpointefoundation.com.
Crystal Little tryouts