Be in the Spotlight for Markham's Canada 150 Celebrations

Got talent? The City of Markham is searching for its next big star! Until May 12, 2017, vocalists, dancers, singers and other talented members of the Markham community are encouraged to submit their online audition to Star Search Markham for their chance to take centre stage at the City’s Canada Day Celebrations on July 1. The winner of the competition will be in the spotlight at the City’s largest Canada Day event yet – an annual celebration that draws thousands of attendees throughout the day from across the Greater Toronto Area. Markham’s big star will also take home a $1,500 cash prize.

Star Search MarkhamStar Search Markham is a great Canada 150 initiative that allows community members to celebrate their neighbours, and show their local and national pride while embracing the arts. The City of Markham is the nation’s most diverse City, and the talent that will be revealed through this competition is expected to be just as diverse.

This exciting opportunity is open to applicants of all ages, backgrounds and abilities who were born in the City of Markham, or who live, work, go to school, own a business or are affiliated with an arts organization in Markham.

Twelve lucky finalists will be selected in mid May to perform at a live audition, which will include a judge from The Feldman’s Agency – one of North America’s premiere entertainment talent agencies and management groups with over 40 years experience in the entertainment business. Live auditions will be open to the public. The top three finalists and Star Search Markham winner will be announced publicly at a later date.

Learn more about #StarSearch Markham and view pictures from the Star Search Markham launch.

QUOTES

• "This is a great opportunity to be in the spotlight for one of Markham's signature Canada 150 events and our biggest Canada Day celebration yet," said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "With over 25,000 in attendance throughout the day, the winner of this contest will be able to show the City of Markham their incredible talent."
   
• "The best part about this competition is that it’s local," said Ward 6 Councillor and Canada Day Committee Co-chair Amanda Collucci. "It’s a great experience for individuals and is a fun way to celebrate local talent during Canada's big year,” added Ward 8 Councillor and Canada Day Committee Co-Chair Alex Chiu.

Star Search Markham is proudly presented by:    

For more information

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti: mayorscarpitti@markham.ca or 905.475.4872
Media inquiries / interview requests: Corporate Communications, media@markham.ca or 905.415.7548

Backgrounder

Star Search Markham officially launched at the Markham Civic Centre on March 21, featuring three talented performers:

Sandy Sun
Sandy was the runner-up of the 2016 Voices of North America competition, performed for former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, reached the highest level for pop singing at the Shanghai Musical College, is an entertainment host at CNTV and is a leading actress for the Toronto Theatre drama show “Lend me a tenor.” She is also a regular singer at Destiny 3 and is a member of the Shanghai Musician Association, among many other accolades.

Neetika Sharma
Neetika has received intense training in the rich art of Kathak, a North Indian classical dance. She is an active leading member of Panwar Music and Dance Productions professional dance team and has performed at various Company productions, community events and festivals. In 2016, she was an integral member of a team that was invited by state Government in India to perform at the prestigious Gita Jayanti Festival. Neetika also has been part of a company's dance team that performed for 10,000 audience members at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto in honor of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. She has also performed at many York Region and Toronto District School Board high schools to connect with youth and create arts and culture awareness.

Angel Wang
Angel began musical education at the young age of 7 in China, quickly accumulating awards and accolades – graduating from a local arts school with highest distinction. She went on to receive advanced musical education with renowned Professor Zhang, played with the Tianjin National Symphony on several tours and formed a chamber group called “The Angel Trio.” She has remained active in studio recording and television broadcasting, and will be performing in Toronto on April 15 at her sold-out Vienna-Beijing-Toronto tour called “From the Lands of Waltzes.” More recently, she has been asked by Richard Clayderman to be the Concert Master for an upcoming concert in Toronto this September.