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Discover 'Niagara's Rising Star' on June 23

by jmaloni
Wed, May 30th 2012 01:25 pm

Flood the Falls is holding its first "Niagara's Rising Star" talent show on Saturday, June 23. The event begins at 4 p.m. at The Rapids Theatre, 1711 Main St., Niagara Falls.

This event, emceed by Niagara Rises Inc.'s founder and president, Frank Thomas Criosdale, will showcase 10 of Niagara's finest talents, all competing for the title of Niagara's Rising Star.

Three local judges will choose the top three finalists. The audience will enjoy a family-friendly event and have the opportunity to vote for the winner.

Narrowing the field of 10 is Carina Baldassarre-Webber is a drummer in the Niagara County area. She has played for original bands The Voodoo Dollies and Middleman, and is currently playing with the rock/blues cover act Tumbling Dice. Judge Allen P. Booker, a Western New York resident and community policing director with the Niagara Falls Police Department, serves as a liaison between the police department and the community. He also oversees its youth mentoring program with a goal of "helping people reach their full potential." The third panelist, Nashville recording artist JB Aaron, is a Niagara Falls native. He has performed all across the U.S., and is working on new material all the time (www.jbaaron.us).

Tickets are $5 general admission and $10 reserved seating.

Immediately following Niagara's Rising Star will be a 21-and-over post-party beginning at 8 p.m. This event features sounds from the '70s, '80s, '90s and today, plus an open bar, a 50/50 split and various auction items. Tickets are $25 and $50 (the latter includes an all-access VIP pass, which includes viewing of NRS in the balcony section of the Rapids, entrance to the post-party, food and drink).

Flood the Falls is a group of individuals that came together for the sole purpose to reinvigorate and rejuvenate Niagara Falls, and the people within it.

"People often look at Niagara Falls as a 'has-been' city whose heyday was reached decades ago. With a little positivity and empowerment, we can change our old way of thinking and recover the gem that has been long hidden in the rough," said Niagara's Rising Stars Chairperson and Flood the Falls Co-Founder Amanda Casilio. "Our goal is to hold a series of not-for-profit events, all with the main purposes to provide residents near and far something entertaining to do, promote local-based businesses and individuals, (and) focus on raising funds for specific community neighborhood needs."

All proceeds from both events will benefit the music and arts community in Niagara Falls.

"We're giving those with a passion for the arts the platform to showcase their amazing abilities," Casilio said. "What better place than the beautifully restored Rapids Theatre to do just that? All proceeds will be given back to our community, and those who donated to help the event will get a huge boost in publicity - it's an all-around win-win-win!"

Tickets can be purchased at the Rapids ticket office beginning June 1, or by calling 716-550-0805. Tickets also will be available on the day of the event.

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