East-end singers set to sizzle in concert

Seven singers in total will take to a Carleton University stage on Sunday, Feb. 7, says Kiwanis Idol founder Eldon Fox. The event, he notes, is a fundraiser to help keep the local competition going.

The spin-off of Canadian Idol started in 2004 and has been growing every year. Fox says the event gives young, local talent a chance to get out of their basements and on to the stage.

“It gives them exposure,” he continues, noting the top three get out and sing at local events throughout the year.

Not only with the concert showcase talent from previous Kiwanis Idol competitions, it will also give the singers an opportunity to perform with a live band.

The live band for accompaniment will be a new experience for Blackburn Hamlet’s Sophia Pantuso, who came in second at last year’s Idol competition.

“I love it,” she says of rehearsing with the band. “It’s better than karaoke.”

The 18-year-old, who has been singing since she was four, says Kiwanis Idol has been the most professional competition in which she’s participated. The top 20 singers were “really good,” she says, adding she felt like she was actually competing and not just singing.

Last year’s second runner up, 17-year-old Samantha Testa, was accustomed to singing gigs with other musicians before stepping on the Kiwanis Idol stage. The Orléans resident says she really had to push herself throughout the competition.

During Sunday’s concert Testa will treat the audience to an original piece called Roadside Blues. As the name implies, the song is on the bluesier side.

Convent Glen’s Angela Rozman, who walked away with the Kiwanis Idol title last year, credits the competition for becoming more comfortable in front of judges.

“It was a very big learning experience,” she says, adding there were a number of other “extremely talented” performers.

The country singer indicates she’s excited about the upcoming concert, noting it will be a lot of fun. It will also help get her name out, she continues, noting her goal is to go into singing.

The other performers hold much the same view, indicating it’s the name recognition that matters now as each embarks on a career path in music.

“I really hope people start to recognize me more,” Pantusa says. “My goal is networking to get people to know my name.”

Testa, meanwhile, says she’s currently focused on creating original material to further her career, adding she’s looking for feedback on her song.