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Also this issue: Join The Parade Celebrations of Evil! Minimalist Effort |
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October 24-30, 2002
mixpicks
Though the saying about New York goes, “If I can make it there/ I’ll make it anywhere,” this sentiment is even truer of the Apollo Theater’s amateur night showcase. The notoriously vocal crowds who pack out the Harlem venue to see unknowns take the stage have no problem expressing their collective like or dislike for a performer. Despite (or because of) that, Apollo Amateur Night has taken the likes of Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown and turned them into legends. Though the spirit of amateur night will forever be linked to the Apollo, the showcase is coming to the Kimmel Center this weekend. Thirteen local finalists will compete for $1,000 and, more importantly, a chance to compete at the Apollo Theater Amateur Night in New York. One of the competitors, comedian Joe DeRosa, a Collegeville native, isn’t worried about the infamous amateur night audience response. “I see it as an interesting challenge. I’m trying to look at it as a positive,” DeRosa says. Challenging or not, a stand-out performance at the Kimmel’s amateur night could be the break many of these performers have been waiting for. “Sure, I think a lot of positive stuff could happen,” DeRosa adds. “I’m trying not to think too much about where it could lead me; I’m more concerned about the performance.” DeRosa and hundreds of Philly hopefuls waited hours for their auditions before the field was narrowed down to a select group, who’ll share the stage with hosts Mo’Nique and Caponne. For all the pressure and what’s at stake, DeRosa seems pretty jovial about the entire thing: “It’s the first time my parents are going to see me and the Sandman might cane me [off the stage].” Though the fear of being jeered by the crowd is a possibility, remember: a young lady named Lauryn Hill got booed at amateur night.
Apollo Amateur Night, Sun., Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m., $15-$43 ($10 after 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 27), Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999.
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