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2008 KEAN IDOL AMATEUR TALENT CONTEST

2008 Kean Idol Vocal Championship

On Friday, April 11, 24 semi-finalists participated in the 2008 Kean Idol Vocal competition at the Kean Theatre. The fifth annual Kean Idol fundraising event raised more than $30,000 to benefit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, Alex Ammons, a 14-year-old from Shaler Township was named the Audience Choice Vocal Award. Ammons sang "Fly Me to the Moon" to receive top honors.

The performer with the highest total score from the judges received the Judge's Choice Vocal Award, named in honor of the late Greg Maggio, owner of the North Park Clubhouse restaurants and avid supporter of St. Barnabas Charities. The judges scored Deborah Katz, 20, of Pittsburgh the highest and she was the recipient of the Greg Maggio Award. Katz performed the operetta "Romance."

Both the Audience Choice and Judges' Choice winner each received the grand prize that included six hours of studio time from Audible Images Recording Studio, a portrait session with professional photographer Rick Armstrong, music lessons with In Tune with the Arts Studio, a feature story in Northern Connection Magazine and a trophy.

Jackie Evancho of Gibsonia was named first runner-up and Nicole Zabelsky of Harrison City was second runner-up.

The judges selected seven contestants for the audience to vote on. Also in the top seven were: Sara Cope of Freedom; Meggan McGuire of Sarver; and Lena Skeele of Slippery Rock.

2008 Kean Idol Dance Championship

The duet of Michael Caye, 8, and Josselyn Fester, 7, of Pittsburgh won the Audience Choice Dance Award on Sunday, March 30 at the 2008 Kean Idol Dance Contest at the Kean Theatre. They were among 14 dancers competing in the dance segment of the amateur talent show. The duo performed a tap routine to "Great Balls of Fire" to win the top honors.

Winning the Greg Maggio Judge's Choice Dance Award was the duet of Taylor Green, 16, and Annie Rosellini, 16, of Butler. They performed a contemporary number to "Color Blind."

Both the Audience Choice and Judges' Choice winners received the grand prize that included a portrait session with professional photographer Rick Armstrong, a $500 gift certificate to Pittsburgh DancExplosion, a feature story in Northern Connection Magazine and a trophy.

Alexis Brenner of Taylorstown was named first runner-up and the duet of Josef and Justice Hartman of Prospect second runner-up.

Among the top six finalists selected by the judges were the duet Matthew Harvey and Lindsay Marshall, of Pittsburgh; Elizabeth Rohm of Cranberry Twp.

ARMSTRONG taped the dance and vocal championships to air on the A-Channel. DVDs are available for purchase.

For more information call St. Barnabas Charities at (724) 444-5521 or email St. Barnabas Charities.

Copyright 2008 St. Barnabas Health System