WESTERN BUREAU:
TWELVE RHYTHM and Blues singers, two 'Gospeliers' and a dub poet representing the five western parishes have been selected for tonight's eliminations of the Gleaner/Buzz Productions Divas Star Search at the Coral Cliff Hotel and Gaming Lounge, Gloucester Avenue.
The competition that was launched recently has seen a rush of entries to the Gleaner's Western Bureau office.
Rave reviews have come from the Montego Bay community. "This is one contest that cannot miss me, I cannot wait to see who is going to open the show for Gladys Knight and Patti Labelle," says Jerome Walker, an ardent fan of both singers.
Up until last Friday, the deadline for entries, last minute participants were busy handing in applications, cassettes, CD's and photos as late as 4:00 p.m.
"At first I was unsure about entering, but I know it will be a great opportunity for persons who want a career in singing to embark on. All the exposure we will get from this contest we can never pay for," says Ashley Martin, an entertainment co-ordinator from Negril who will be among those taking part in the eliminations.
Tonight eight Divas will be chosen to go onto the finals, which take place on November 22, at the same venue. At the finals a talented lady with a voice, an attitude and a look will be selected to open the show for 'Divas in Concert' with Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight and the former Wailers backing group, the
I-Threes.
'Divas in Concert' is scheduled for the Rose Hall Great House on Saturday December 1 and the Constant Spring Golf Club the following night. Carl Matthews, a music teacher at Herbert Morrison Technical High, Mrs. Marjorie Stair, Bureau Manager, Gleaner Western Bureau, Opal Quinland and a representative of Buzz Productions make up the panel of judges.
Janet Silvera
