Last year’s Lamorinda Idol performer, Anna Tanner, singing “Dead Mom” from “Beetlejuice The Musical.”
When I was asked to be one of the emcees for Lamorinda Idol last year I had no idea what I was in for.
I knew what the show was about because I had edited a few articles about it over the last three years as editor-in-chief of The Orinda News. But let me just say, attending it IRL (in real life) was an experience of a lifetime.
Lamorinda Idol – one of the many programs of the Lamorinda Arts Council – started in 2006 and has been chaired by Steve Harwood since 2009. It’s a singing program open to students in grades kindergarten through twelfth, who either attend a school or reside in Lamorinda (Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda).
Singers may enter as soloists or in groups. Performers who live outside of Lamorinda can participate in the group categories; however, at least one member of the group must meet the residential requirement.
Held at the Orinda Theatre, this year’s Finals is Sunday, Aug. 18, from 11 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., with awards from 7 to 7:30 p.m.
I must say, I was genuinely blown away by the kids’ talent, and I’m not exaggerating.
Watching and listening to these mostly pint-sized performers giving adult-sized performances made me feel as though I was in L.A. watching “American Idol.”
These kids knocked my socks off with their off-the-charts singing abilities – I had NO idea what talent lies in Lamorinda. Their voices were pitch-perfect and their confidence bolstered through their volume and expressions. Even their outfits were on point.
Just, WOW.
I’m sure some of the kids were nervous while performing, but honestly, I couldn’t tell. I’ve been doing stand-up comedy for 27 years and I know what nerves-on-stage look like. The Lamorinda Idol singers had me fooled if they experienced any stagefright.
As emcee, I introduced each performer by name and occasionally botched a few pronunciations – which I have to say, even though I’m a wordsmith by profession – it was NOT easy announcing some of their names.
I would ask each performer questions like, “What will you be singing?” or “Why did you choose that song?” or “Why did our parents spell your name like that?” Okay, I didn’t ask that last question, but my inner thought-bubble did.
After each song, I asked the three expert judges (industry performers themselves) about the performance. They gave their honest feedback about what they nailed and what areas needed more work.
I watched the kids take the critiques in stride.
I’m sure some of the advice was difficult to hear, but I’m betting they applied it to their craft throughout the year – all the way to this year’s show – which, by the way, is free to attend, but there are opportunities to contribute to support Lamorinda Idol.
Throughout the year, some of the singers participate in community performances, such as the Orinda Classic Car Show, Lafayette Art and Wine Festival, Orinda’s 4th of July parade and a swim and karaoke party at Harwood’s house.
Hardwood said co-founder of Performing Academy and a former Snow White in “Beach Blanket Babylon,” Rena Wilson, leads workshops for solo finalists and runners-up in which she focuses on vocal technique, finding authentic connections to songs and performance skills.
“Rena is a highly regarded private acting and vocal coach, who now lives in Southern California, where she is an actor and voice teacher,” said Harwood.
He said the kids also take an in-person Master Class workshop, taught by six-time Idol winner, Lleyton Allen. Also, many of the singers work with private coaches.
All this work definitely paid off, because I really felt as though I experienced master performances.
Harwood made a point to note all those who benefit from the program.
“For the performers, it gives them the opportunity to pursue their passion for singing, have fun and meet other young people with similar interests,” he said. “For the parents, it is an opportunity to see their children grow and flourish. For the community, it brings joy and inspiration from the dedication and talent of our young singers. For me, it continues my lifelong involvement with music and singing, and it provides an opportunity for me to give a gift to our young, wonderful singers.”
As the show’s chairman for 15 years, Harwood said that, most of all, he loves seeing the young people giving it their all and witnessing their growth.
“You’ll usually find me teary-eyed at the Finals, seeing the culmination of all of our efforts, and witnessing as each singer hits it out of the park, which they usually do,” he said. “I value all the friendships I have made with the parents and other volunteers involved and I enjoy meeting the challenge of organizing the Idol activities.”
If you’ve never been to the Lamorinda Idol before, I hope this inspires you to attend this year. For more information about this program, visit lamorindaarts.org.
This year’s sponsors of the Lamorinda Idol include the Orinda Community Foundation, Cameron Builders, Mechanics Bank, Diane Dwyer and Wendy Bond, Compass Real Estate, Dudum Real Estate Group, The Fourth Bore Tap Room & Grill, Town Hall Theatre Company in Lafayette, Clark Thompson, Molly Smith, Amy Rose Smith and Shannon Conner of Village Associates Real Estate.