Gary in search for next city star
Mrs Brown's Boys star Gary Hollywood is on the hunt to find Glasgow's most talented young acts.
The next generation of singers and dancers are preparing for the
final stage of city competition G-Stars, which will see 15 acts compete
in a live showcase.The final of the contest organised by award-winning youth initiative Swayed (South West Area Youth Engagement and Diversion) will take place at the city's O2 Academy on Sunday.
The judging panel includes Glasgow-born Gary, who plays Dino Doyle in the BBC sitcom, actor Atta Yaqub, River City's Keira Lucchesi and singer Jade McGuire. Last year's winners Double S – Selena Johnson and Sophie Ambler – are also judges.
The winning act will record their own single and music video.
Swayed patron Gary said: "When I was growing up in Pollok, we didn't have any programmes like this.
"To offer a free programme, which is dedicated to music and performing, in difficult financial times like this, really is exceptional.
"Swayed and G-Stars are great springboards for young people, they can really showcase themselves and Sund-ay's event will give them a real confidence boost.
"This is an opport-unity for the people of Glasgow to come out and support local young people, and see how much talent is out there.
"We want to give young people a place where they can channel their energy into something positive.
"I'm very proud to be involved in such an amazing initiative."
Organisers of G-Stars, now in its ninth year, are promising Sunday's event will be the biggest and best yet. The project is funded by Glasgow City Council and Glas-gow Housing Assoc-iation, and is supported by Glasgow Life staff. Last year more than 1000 people turned out for the final.
In a first for the competition, six young people have been chosen from scores of applicants to host the event.
Gary, added: "Everyone involved is so excited about playing at the O2 Academy.
"It can take years for performers to make it on that stage, but our young people are getting that amazing opportunity already.
"As well as being a great opportunity for the participants, G-Stars final is always a great night for the audience."
The G-Stars contest is the highlight of a week-long programme for singers and dancers aged 12 to 16.
The free programme includes vocal and dance tuition from industry experts.
Swayed picked up an Evening Times-backed Community Champion Award in 2011 for its youth performance group Swayed By The Beat.
For free tickets for G-Stars, call 0141 276 8770 or email gstarstickets@ymail.com
Source: Evening Times
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