Talent search

Think of it like “America’s Got Talent,” only on a smaller scale.
   Fourteen local acts took part in the first West Texas Talent Search competitions Thursday, with seven advancing to the finals at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at Permian Playhouse.
   The top two acts will receive cash prizes totaling over $1000, but for 25-year-old Sam Watson, the goal win or lose is to have her music heard because she believes it connects with the public.
   “I try to write real music that touches people with a higher value than noise. Much of it is faith-based, but the genre is all over the place,” she said.
   Crystal Garcia said she signed up for the contest after seeing the Permian Playhouse’s flashing sign advertising the event. She sings a variety of songs in Spanish, performing for Cinco de Mayo and other celebrations.
   “When I sing, it’s a kind of release. I think it’s neat that they are doing this,” she said.
   For rock singer Mykl Sorrells, the show means a wider group of areas for the public to show off their talents.
   “It’s something besides a smoky bar with a bunch of bikers,” he said.
   Thirteen-year-old Kelsey Pando said she signed up to get involved with the community. She said she thinks the show can bring people closer.
   “It’s cool because it helps people get together and have fun,” Pando said.
   Hunter Blaine brought his band Padlock to perform as a last-minute addition. He said the band is just starting to play gigs, and the show is a good opportunity.
   “Hopefully it will get our name out there,” he said.
   Daniel Ryan organized the talent show and has been planning it since March. He said he thought it would be fun to do since nobody else has a local talent competition.
   “It’s very open, with no age groupings and a key part to all of this is audience involvement. They will actually vote for the winner,” he said.
   After renting the Playhouse, Ryan said he started approaching sponsors, eventually getting 15 sponsors to help defray the cost and assist with the prizes.
   “Through this, I’ve been able to bring in some of the smaller businesses like Sherry G’s Flowers. I think that’s important,” he said.
   He said he hopes to do the show again next year.
   “We just don’t get to appreciate all the great talent we have here very often,” Ryan said.

TICKETS and Time
   >> Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. They may be purchased at Permian Playhouse, 310 W. 42nd St., Briar Batch and Beyond, 1215 E. 8th St., Mary's Fashions, 2509 N. Dixie Blvd. and Sherry G's Florist And Gifts, 1003 Maple Ave.
   >> The finals are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) at the Permian Playhouse.

ACTS
   >> Mykl Sorrells.
   >> Padlock rock band.
   >> Sarah Melendez.
   >> Kelsey Pando.
   >> Shane Calvert.
   >> Sam Watson.
   >> Marquise Benson.
   >> Chrysten Pando.
   >> Crystal Garcia.
   >> Amy McBride.
   >> The Naegeles.
   >> Kyndra Llanez.
   >> Coining a Dream improv group.
   >> Glendon Warner and Andrew Mahan.
   >> Aviana Miller.