Downtown Squamish Summer Series presents Squamish Idol - Saturday 6pm, Pavilion Park

The District of Squamish has announced plans for its first Squamish Idol, where Pavilion Park will be transformed into an outdoor concert hall for a community-wide singing competition and celebration of local music talent. Squamish Idol takes to the stage Saturday, September 14 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event is the third instalment of the Downtown Squamish Summer Series, a District initiative to draw residents and visitors into the streets of downtown.

To kick off the evening, the Squamish Nation Welh Tima Kexwusem Dance Group will perform. The 15-and-under youth Idol showcase will then take to the stage, followed by the 16+ adult Idol category where participants will compete for a $500 cash honorarium and Squamish Idol title. ‘Cowboy Take Me Away’ by the Dixie Chicks, a duo performance of ‘Endless Love’ by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie, and ‘Landslide’ by Stevie Nicks are some of the songs that concertgoers will be able to enjoy. Auditions took place earlier this month and a talented lineup of locals has been selected to compete.

And what’s an Idol without getting to know the judges behind the scenes? A big welcome to Darcy Cavanah, Melissa Braun and Susan Chapelle who will be providing their feedback for Squamish’s up-and-coming talent.

Darcy Cavanah is the lead vocalist for Squamish's Murder of Crows and organizer of the Rock Bar Rock Star singing competition at Chances Casino. A true rocker, he's been known to sing Nirvana in the shower (smells like Idol spirit!). 

Melissa Braun is the Artistic Director for Broadway or Bust Performing Arts and Principal of the Squamish Academy of Music where she teaches piano and voice. Her first concert she ever attended was Meatloaf during which he was kind enough to autograph her two-dollar bill. She still has it.

Susan Chapelle is a dedicated Squamish Councillor and owner of Squamish Integrated Health. If her life had a soundtrack, the theme song would be Switchfoot's "This is Home" from The Chronicles of Narnia. With 20 years in the entertainment industry as a sound engineer, Susan’s discerning ear will be a big asset to this talented judging lineup!

Head downtown for an early dinner before the show, then support your favourite local stars as they take to the Idol stage. Admission is free! For more information visit www.squamish.ca/heart  

September 10, 2013