Local Performers to Compete in ‘Happy Valley’s Got Talent’ Benefiting Tides

The sixth annual ‘Happy Valley’s Got Talent’ hits the stage at the State Theatre on April 2, with 12 local talents competing in the fundraiser for Tides, a support program for grieving children and families in Centre County.

Finalists from among the more than 30 acts that auditioned Feb. 27-28 include instrumentalists, vocal and dance performers and a barbershop quartet. Tickets for the the 7 p.m. show are $28. Admission to a special red-carpet pre-show reception and the show can be purchased for $54.

‘Every year we think the show cannot get better, and with so many unscripted funny moments, and outstanding talent, it does,’ said Suzanne Thompson, executive director of Tides.

Modeled after the television competition ‘America’s Got Talent,’ this year’s show will be judged by Sue Paterno, State College Mayor Elizabeth Goreham, Bestwick Foundation President and BMX riding champion Jamie Bestwick, Penn State Schreyer Honors College Dean Christian Brady, retired Blue Band Director Dick Bundy, Penn State Opera Theatre Artistic Director Ted Christopher and honorary guest judge Maggie Griffin.

The show is produced by local playwright and producer Jerry Sawyer. Local veterinarian and comedian Fred Metzger and radio host Jerry Valeri will emcee.

The competition includes acts in three age categories: Future Fame Division (10-14 years old), Rising Stars Division (15-20 years old) and Primetime Division (21 and older). The performers will be competing for cash prizes from $50 to $250. Performers from previous years and featured acts also will take the stage during the show.

The evening will raise additional funds for Tides through a live auction, and audience members will be able to text to donate during the event. To text to donate send a dollar amount plus ‘talent’ (for example, ’20 talent’) to (814) 283-4111.

‘Happy Valley’s Got Talent’ is the signature fundraising event for Tides, a peer support program offered to grieving children, teens and their loved ones in Centre and surrounding counties. The program was created specifically to support grieving children and teens to cope with loss. Tides meets the first and third Thursday of each month at Houserville Elementary School. Pre-registration is required by calling (814) 692-2233.

The 12 finalists for Saturday’s show are:

Future Fame Division (10 to 14 years old)
• Norah Cunningham, Hollidaysburg, vocal
• Ty Fowler, Gallitzin, electric guitar 
• Madeline Miller, State College, vocal
• Halle Mitchell, State College, vocal at piano
• Just Friends, Port Matilda, vocal with dance 
(Asher Carr-Chellman, Aila Carr-Chellman, Jules Carr-Chellman, Anna Farris)

Rising Stars Division (15 to 20 years old)
• Nora Kamerow, State College, vocal
• Hana Weissmann, State College, vocal with guitar
• One Note Stand,State College, vocal 
(Brian Cunningham, Jon Perini, Eli Yurman, Justin Shondeck)
• Amanda Quinones & Mike Vermiel, State College (Penn State students), vocal with guitar

Prime Time Division (21 +)
• Elizabeth Findley, State College, piano
• Julie Bouchard, State College, (Oyster Bay Cove, NY), vocal with guitar
• Group Therapy, State College, vocal and acoustic
(Jim Herbert, Maggie Davis, Jonathan Bojan)