Daily News

Valley Talent Showcase, Northfire Recording Reach Agreement

HOLYOKE — Valley Talent Showcase, a monthly talent show staged at Gateway City Arts, announced today that Northfire Recording Studio in Amherst has agreed to become a major new sponsor.

As part of the arrangement, Northfire will be providing the overall showcase winner with two full 10-hour days in their studio working with one of their world-class recording engineers to create a professional CD.

The Talent Showcase competitions, held the first Friday of each month, utilize celebrity judges to help choose first and second place winners. The winners of each month’s contest are entered in a “Super-Playoff” held on Sept. 9 where the year’s overall winner is chosen.

The overall winner will receive:

  • The 2 two free recording  days at Northfire Recording Studio;
  • A $500 cash prize provided by the Eastern States Exposition (another major Valley Talent Showcase sponsor);
  • A headline gig at this year’s BIG E on Sept. 24 (traditionally the day of the largest attendance of the fair — more than 160,000.)

“We want to provide the opportunity for talented new performers to actually produce a real product,” said Jay Metcalf, owner and director of Operations at Northfire Studios. “That’s why we suggested providing them with two days in the studio.”

Said Valley Talent Showcase producer Mark Sherry, “we’re thrilled to have Northfire Studios as a partner in helping us to give a real boost to the careers of exciting up-and coming local musicians.”

The Valley Talent Showcase started in 2015 and has had five monthly events to date. Celebrity judges have included elected officials (several mayors, state representatives, and senators), well-known musicians, DJs, and other celebrities. Mass. State Senate President Stan Rosenberg will be a judge at one of the upcoming talent showcases.

The next showcase will be on May 6 at 8 p.m. at Gateway City Arts, 92 Race St, Holyoke.  There is a suggested donation of $5-$10 at the door. Potential contestants can send an e-mail with their name, address, email, photo/video or audio sample (or web link) of the suggested performance to [email protected] or call (413) 374-7671.