Talent comes in many forms. I should know, having judged this year’s Santa Maria Has Talent competition. An upcoming event inspired by that model—but without the competition—will feature performers of all ages and abilities.
Lezlie’s Showcase of Talent is gearing up for its first-ever talent show, which is set to continue as a quarterly event each year. The whole point of the show is to showcase some of the local talent in the area without the pressure of competition, explained talent show creator Lezlie Thoroddsson.
“I think that art is subjective, and people’s feelings get hurt,” she said, “and this way there are no hard feelings.”
When auditions were posted, the show was open to any interested singers, musicians, dancers, or stand-up comedians. Thoroddsson herself is a stand-up comedian and will be performing as part of the show.
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“I’ve done improvisational comedy for 10 years,” she said, “and I have done stand-up for two years; it’s not really crass, I do clean humor.”
The show is set up to be family friendly for many reasons. The range of ages in the performers is as varied as their talents. Some singers and dancers aren’t old enough to drive yet. The only other stand-up comedian—Audrey Mussell, who does fun, silly, and family-friendly humor—hasn’t let her 80-plus years get in the way of making people laugh.
“It’s just a dream that I’ve always had,” Thoroddsson said. “I wanted it to be well diversified, and I wanted it to be [an] equal opportunity for people to show off their talents.”
There will also be several singers as well as a couple of bands performing. Los Angeles-based Melrose is the only performer that’s not local.
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Thoroddsson plans to continue with the talent show every quarter, and she wants area performers to know that the upcoming showcase auditions are open to any kind of entertainer, whether they be magicians, musicians, or anyone else.
Live in the vines
Koehler Winery presents its summer concert series featuring a performance by Sean Wiggins on Aug. 17 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Koehler Winery, 5360 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos. More info: 693-8384 or koehlerwinery.com.
Relax on the lawn
The Lompoc Library District Foundation presents “Concerts on the Library Lawn” featuring Pops on the Green with Diane Siminski on Aug. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lompoc Public Library, 501 E. North Ave., Lompoc. Free. More info: libraryfoundation@blackgold.org.
Park yourself
Concerts in the Park is a free concert series presented by the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, PLAY Inc., and Santa Maria Rotary clubs featuring Livewire performing on Aug. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Rotary Centennial Park, College Drive, Santa Maria. More info: 925-0951, Ext. 260.
A ‘Storm’ approaches
The Radisson Hotel presents live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m., including Storm performing on Aug. 16 and 17 at 3455 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. More info: 928-8000.
Sharing sounds
Lucia’s Wine Co. offers mic nights featuring wine, poetry, and live music on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at the tasting room, 126 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. More info: 332-3080.
Wine and music on hump day
The Addamo Tasting Room and Bistro presents “Wine Down Wednesdays” featuring live music on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Addamo Tasting Room and Bistro, located at 400 E. Clark Ave., Old Orcutt. Free. More info: 937-6400 or Bethany@addamovineyards.com.
Maverick jams
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment, including live country by the Jimi Nelson Band on Aug. 16 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” featuring Jimi and friends is Aug. 17 at 3 p.m. The Jimi Nelson Band performs on Aug. 17 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785 or mavericksyv@aol.com.
Contact Arts Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Aug 15-22, 2013.