Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Sienna Hollenbeck, of Ironwood, rehearses her song for Friday's HIT Idol Showcase during a recent dress rehearsal at the Historic Ironwood Theatre.
By LARRY HOLCOMBE
Ironwood - While the Historic Ironwood Theatre's seventh annual HIT Idol performances will be another melding of top local, young talent and a nationally renowned vocal performer, this year's offering has a best-of-the-best feel.
As in year's past, it's still a two-night affair. Friday will bring another blast of local youth to the stage to perform many styles of vocal selections, and Saturday has another headliner from the American Idol television series - 2016 finalist Tristan McIntosh.
But new this year on Friday - what has been an annual singing contest in years past for local performers in their 20s or younger - will instead be a concert of 16 former HIT Idol finalists, what organizers are calling a HIT Idol Showcase.
"We're really excited about both shows," said director Nichole Lahti. "We held auditions for the Friday night show and were really impressed. Everyone is performing to their own live accompaniment that they've brought in. Many are using their own personal skills and training on guitar or piano, while singing their piece."
Selections will range from Elton John to Ed Sheeran, as well as Broadway numbers from "The Wizard of Oz" and "Hamilton."
Lahti was particularly excited about an acapella group from Ewen-Trout Creek School under the direction of music teacher Brad Besonen. Among their offerings will be some Pentatonix arrangements.
The seven-member E-TC group will also open for McIntosh on Saturday. Some of the former HIT Idol winners will also perform.
McIntosh competed in Season 15 of American Idol in 2016 at age 16. The country singer from Nashville placed sixth. She later sang at the Grand Ole Opry and is currently traveling the nation with a show entitled "The Linda Ronstadt Experience."
Lahti credited many with aiding in the production of the show, including vocal coach and emcee Ethan Puisto, stage manager Koko Ladd, sound technician Andy Makey and lighting technician Tyler Saari.
Both Friday and Saturday night shows start at 7 p.m.
