TALENT SHOW in the NEWS
SARATOGA's GOT TALENT, AND PROVES IT AT SHOW
Saratoga's Got Talent, and proves it at show
By Khalida Sarwari
ksarwari@ community-newspapers.com
Posted: 07/01/2013 07:31:46 PM PDT
Updated: 07/01/2013 07:31:47 PM PDT
Dancers, musicians and entertainers took to the McAfee Center stage on June 14 to showcase their skills for a good cause.
A talented group of 88 performers participated in the second annual Saratoga's Got Talent event.
Judges awarded first, second and third prizes for the most talented competitors in the 5-to-12 and the 13-and-over age groups.
In the first group, the first-place winner was Nevin Richards; second place went to Rebecca Lofis and third to Mohini Dutta.
In the second group, the first-place winner was Tracy Sarmiento, who took home the grand prize of $2,500; second-place winner was Samantha Rose, and third place went to Esha Krishnamoorthy.
The winners of both age groups won for singing operatically. Nevin, 12, sang "Queen of the Night" by Mozart, and Sarmineto, 22, performed a number from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera.
Contestants also had a chance to win in two other categories: a judge's singing award and, for the first time this year, an audience choice award, with the winner selected via online voting. Those winners were Nina Sabharwal, Raquel Boales, Ankita Sarvesh and the Dancing Divas from Argonaut.
The panel of judges included Saratoga Union School District superintendent Lane Weiss; Saratoga High School principal Paul Robinson; Vickie Wyant, a retired Redwood Middle School music director; Keith Banks, a dance director at Studio 10 Dance; Alka Bhatnagar founder of Sur Bahar; Redwood Middle School music director Jon Jow; and San Jose City Councilman Ash Kalra. Redwood Middle School students Shivaum Kumar and Ayush Aggarwal served as emcees.
Rishi Kumar, founder of the Saratoga Cares Foundation, said the event was attended by more than 500 people and ultimately raised about $19,000. The money will be divided between the Saratoga Education Foundation and Saratoga Senior Center.
The foundation supports science, physical education, computer instruction, library, music and art programs at Argonaut, Foothill and Saratoga elementary schools, as well as Redwood Middle School.
Last year, the event drew nearly 300 people and raised about $18,000 for the Saratoga Senior Center. The winners of last year's contest donated their prize money of $1,000 to the senior center and returned to compete again this year.
Saratoga's Got Talent was organized by a local nonprofit agency, Saratoga Cares Foundation. The foundation was created in 2010 to honor the compassionate and caring spirit of the late Susie Nagpal. The organization began by holding singing competitions on a small scale at Blue Rock Shoot on Big Basin Way, and out of that grew the talent show.
This year, the organization also recognized Saratogans who have recently excelled in various fields. The list included Anushree Dugar, who placed third in the country in the National History Day Competition held in Washington, D.C.; Eesha Khare, an 18-year-old Lynbrook High School graduate who invented a device that charges a cell phone battery in under 30 seconds; Nicole Bowman, a Saratoga High student who placed third at the Southwest District Rowing Championships and qualified for the U.S. Rowing Youth National Championships; and Sean Shi, a USA Junior Math Olympiad champion.
By Khalida Sarwari
ksarwari@ community-newspapers.com
Posted: 07/01/2013 07:31:46 PM PDT
Updated: 07/01/2013 07:31:47 PM PDT
Dancers, musicians and entertainers took to the McAfee Center stage on June 14 to showcase their skills for a good cause.
A talented group of 88 performers participated in the second annual Saratoga's Got Talent event.
Judges awarded first, second and third prizes for the most talented competitors in the 5-to-12 and the 13-and-over age groups.
In the first group, the first-place winner was Nevin Richards; second place went to Rebecca Lofis and third to Mohini Dutta.
In the second group, the first-place winner was Tracy Sarmiento, who took home the grand prize of $2,500; second-place winner was Samantha Rose, and third place went to Esha Krishnamoorthy.
The winners of both age groups won for singing operatically. Nevin, 12, sang "Queen of the Night" by Mozart, and Sarmineto, 22, performed a number from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera.
Contestants also had a chance to win in two other categories: a judge's singing award and, for the first time this year, an audience choice award, with the winner selected via online voting. Those winners were Nina Sabharwal, Raquel Boales, Ankita Sarvesh and the Dancing Divas from Argonaut.
The panel of judges included Saratoga Union School District superintendent Lane Weiss; Saratoga High School principal Paul Robinson; Vickie Wyant, a retired Redwood Middle School music director; Keith Banks, a dance director at Studio 10 Dance; Alka Bhatnagar founder of Sur Bahar; Redwood Middle School music director Jon Jow; and San Jose City Councilman Ash Kalra. Redwood Middle School students Shivaum Kumar and Ayush Aggarwal served as emcees.
Rishi Kumar, founder of the Saratoga Cares Foundation, said the event was attended by more than 500 people and ultimately raised about $19,000. The money will be divided between the Saratoga Education Foundation and Saratoga Senior Center.
The foundation supports science, physical education, computer instruction, library, music and art programs at Argonaut, Foothill and Saratoga elementary schools, as well as Redwood Middle School.
Last year, the event drew nearly 300 people and raised about $18,000 for the Saratoga Senior Center. The winners of last year's contest donated their prize money of $1,000 to the senior center and returned to compete again this year.
Saratoga's Got Talent was organized by a local nonprofit agency, Saratoga Cares Foundation. The foundation was created in 2010 to honor the compassionate and caring spirit of the late Susie Nagpal. The organization began by holding singing competitions on a small scale at Blue Rock Shoot on Big Basin Way, and out of that grew the talent show.
This year, the organization also recognized Saratogans who have recently excelled in various fields. The list included Anushree Dugar, who placed third in the country in the National History Day Competition held in Washington, D.C.; Eesha Khare, an 18-year-old Lynbrook High School graduate who invented a device that charges a cell phone battery in under 30 seconds; Nicole Bowman, a Saratoga High student who placed third at the Southwest District Rowing Championships and qualified for the U.S. Rowing Youth National Championships; and Sean Shi, a USA Junior Math Olympiad champion.
PUBLISHED BY THE INDIAN EXPRESS WESTCOAST NEWSLINE - JAN 11, 2013
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PUBLISHED BY THE INDIAN EXPRESS WESTCOAST NEWSLINE - SEPT 14, 2012
Town's GOt Talent - published 9/25/2012 - Saratoga News
TOWN'S GOT TALENT: Saratoga's Got Talent, a monthly competition at the Blue Rock Shoot, crowned three young people with superlatives and prizes for their performances in front of a standing-room-only crowd this month.
Sisters Sandhya, 10, and Kavita Panchapakesan, 7, won top honors. They did a song and dance routine to Rihanna's "Umbrella." Patrick McCauley won second with his "Howl at the Moon," an animal song that included a wolf call and a monkey screech so lifelike that people were looking around in fright, presumably. Patrick even has albums to his credit. Isha Yeleswarupa, 11, captured third with a soulful rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing."
Those who sang their own compositions included Zelly Mae, a Saratoga High senior, whose song, "Blue Rock Shoot," was sung with a Lady Gaga coolness, while strumming her guitar.
So reports Rishi Kumar, who produces these shows. Another original piece was from Raquela, singing "Angel Eyes," co-written with her coach, Shelly Franklin. Rishi's son, Shivaum, a middle-schooler, emceed the evening.
Sisters Sandhya, 10, and Kavita Panchapakesan, 7, won top honors. They did a song and dance routine to Rihanna's "Umbrella." Patrick McCauley won second with his "Howl at the Moon," an animal song that included a wolf call and a monkey screech so lifelike that people were looking around in fright, presumably. Patrick even has albums to his credit. Isha Yeleswarupa, 11, captured third with a soulful rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing."
Those who sang their own compositions included Zelly Mae, a Saratoga High senior, whose song, "Blue Rock Shoot," was sung with a Lady Gaga coolness, while strumming her guitar.
So reports Rishi Kumar, who produces these shows. Another original piece was from Raquela, singing "Angel Eyes," co-written with her coach, Shelly Franklin. Rishi's son, Shivaum, a middle-schooler, emceed the evening.
The Crew wins top honors in the Saratoga's Got Talent Show
Original link is here
http://www.mercurynews.com/saratoga/ci_21089599/crew-wins-top-honors-saratogas-got-talent-show
The Crew wins top honors in the Saratoga's Got Talent Show
By Mary Ann Cook, for Saratoga News
Posted: 07/16/2012 07:32:43 PM PDT
Updated: 07/16/2012 07:32:43 PM PDT
GOT TALENT: The top winner of the Saratoga's Got Talent Show that benefited the Senior Center was The Crew, singing, "Standing on the Corner Watching All the Girls Go By." They promptly turned their prize winnings, $1,000, over to the senior center.
Crew members are Don Barnett, Bob Cancellieri, Roger Fisher, Rudy Kalafus, Fred Rust, Don Schilling and Bob Stoner, accompanied by Eric Serdahl, percussionist, and Glenda Rasmussen, piano. They regularly sing with the Fun Time Singers, as well as on their own.
"We were overwhelmed by the cheers and standing ovation for a bunch of old geezers," as they describe themselves. "Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine we would be awarded first prize!" Not needing (dubious) career advancement, The Crew sent the award straight to the senior center.
The talent show raised $18,138 for the center, and donations are still coming in, says organizer Rishi Kumar. Other winners were Shouvik Neogi, 16, who won second place and $500 for her break dancing number. Shouvik is from Chennai, India, and will begin her studies at UC-Berkeley this fall.
Harshitha Krishnan, 18, singing "If I Ain't Got You," won third place and $250. Isabelle Simone captured best costume award and a $30 voucher from Agnes Womens Boutique. Ankitha Sarvesh garnered the most applause trophy and a $25 voucher from Florentine Restaurant.
Mithil Chakraborthy, 8, of Saratoga won first place in the 5-12 age roup dancing to a remix of Flo Rida's "Good Feeling" and Bollywood track, "Chammak Challo." The prize was 12 weeks of private lessons from Musicians Mobile.
Second Sun won second place by singing, playing and dancing to "Pricetag." Sun members are Katarina Kelly, 10, and twins Jade and Devon Schreiner, 11. Their prize was three months of group lessons from Guitar Showcase. Mohini Dutta, 11, captured third place with an Indian classical dance called "Kathak" and won a month of lessons from Guitar Showcase.
Evelyn Ha, 11, and Allison Ha, 9, won the "most applause" trophy, and Kiara Parker, 6, won best costume trophy.
All winners received trophies. Younger winners also received passes to the Tech Museum. The show was a wonderful example of the community uniting for a cause, said Kumar.
Have a tip for Sampler? Send it to maryannck8@gmail.com or phone 408.540.7977.
http://www.mercurynews.com/saratoga/ci_21089599/crew-wins-top-honors-saratogas-got-talent-show
The Crew wins top honors in the Saratoga's Got Talent Show
By Mary Ann Cook, for Saratoga News
Posted: 07/16/2012 07:32:43 PM PDT
Updated: 07/16/2012 07:32:43 PM PDT
GOT TALENT: The top winner of the Saratoga's Got Talent Show that benefited the Senior Center was The Crew, singing, "Standing on the Corner Watching All the Girls Go By." They promptly turned their prize winnings, $1,000, over to the senior center.
Crew members are Don Barnett, Bob Cancellieri, Roger Fisher, Rudy Kalafus, Fred Rust, Don Schilling and Bob Stoner, accompanied by Eric Serdahl, percussionist, and Glenda Rasmussen, piano. They regularly sing with the Fun Time Singers, as well as on their own.
"We were overwhelmed by the cheers and standing ovation for a bunch of old geezers," as they describe themselves. "Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine we would be awarded first prize!" Not needing (dubious) career advancement, The Crew sent the award straight to the senior center.
The talent show raised $18,138 for the center, and donations are still coming in, says organizer Rishi Kumar. Other winners were Shouvik Neogi, 16, who won second place and $500 for her break dancing number. Shouvik is from Chennai, India, and will begin her studies at UC-Berkeley this fall.
Harshitha Krishnan, 18, singing "If I Ain't Got You," won third place and $250. Isabelle Simone captured best costume award and a $30 voucher from Agnes Womens Boutique. Ankitha Sarvesh garnered the most applause trophy and a $25 voucher from Florentine Restaurant.
Mithil Chakraborthy, 8, of Saratoga won first place in the 5-12 age roup dancing to a remix of Flo Rida's "Good Feeling" and Bollywood track, "Chammak Challo." The prize was 12 weeks of private lessons from Musicians Mobile.
Second Sun won second place by singing, playing and dancing to "Pricetag." Sun members are Katarina Kelly, 10, and twins Jade and Devon Schreiner, 11. Their prize was three months of group lessons from Guitar Showcase. Mohini Dutta, 11, captured third place with an Indian classical dance called "Kathak" and won a month of lessons from Guitar Showcase.
Evelyn Ha, 11, and Allison Ha, 9, won the "most applause" trophy, and Kiara Parker, 6, won best costume trophy.
All winners received trophies. Younger winners also received passes to the Tech Museum. The show was a wonderful example of the community uniting for a cause, said Kumar.
Have a tip for Sampler? Send it to maryannck8@gmail.com or phone 408.540.7977.
Saratoga's got talent and it will be on display at the senior center
Saratoga's Got Talent, and it will be on display at the senior center
By Mary Ann Cook, for Saratoga News
Posted: 06/18/2012 07:30:37 PM PDT
Updated: 06/18/2012 07:30:38 PM PDT
TALENT SHOW FUNDRAISER: Saratoga's Got Talent, a performance competition that's a fundraiser for the Saratoga Senior Center, will be held June 22, 7-10 p.m., at the center. Previous Saratoga's Got Talent performers will entertain from 7 to 7:30 p.m. and again from 10 to 10:20 p.m., serving as bookends to the June contestants.
The event is sold out, but the public can stop by the senior center to have dinner via the food trucks in the back parking lot starting at 6 p.m. Choices include Louisiana Territory (Cajun food); No Way Jose (gourmet Mexican); Tikka Bytes (Indian); and ScoopsSJ (ice cream).
Wine will be on sale by the glass. Tables will be set up in the patio area. The performance itself will be in the community room. Performers can win prizes up to $1,000. Judges include Lane Weiss, school superintendent; music teachers from Saratoga schools; and nearly all the city council members.
Performers on deck are Cortnee Langlie, Raffy Espiritu, Grace Peng, Tarini Ullal and Seema Kumar, along with some 45 others. It promises to be something like controlled chaos, a lot of movement, promises Susan Huff, senior center director.
Original link here http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_20886413/saratogas-got-talent-and-it-will-be-display?IADID
By Mary Ann Cook, for Saratoga News
Posted: 06/18/2012 07:30:37 PM PDT
Updated: 06/18/2012 07:30:38 PM PDT
TALENT SHOW FUNDRAISER: Saratoga's Got Talent, a performance competition that's a fundraiser for the Saratoga Senior Center, will be held June 22, 7-10 p.m., at the center. Previous Saratoga's Got Talent performers will entertain from 7 to 7:30 p.m. and again from 10 to 10:20 p.m., serving as bookends to the June contestants.
The event is sold out, but the public can stop by the senior center to have dinner via the food trucks in the back parking lot starting at 6 p.m. Choices include Louisiana Territory (Cajun food); No Way Jose (gourmet Mexican); Tikka Bytes (Indian); and ScoopsSJ (ice cream).
Wine will be on sale by the glass. Tables will be set up in the patio area. The performance itself will be in the community room. Performers can win prizes up to $1,000. Judges include Lane Weiss, school superintendent; music teachers from Saratoga schools; and nearly all the city council members.
Performers on deck are Cortnee Langlie, Raffy Espiritu, Grace Peng, Tarini Ullal and Seema Kumar, along with some 45 others. It promises to be something like controlled chaos, a lot of movement, promises Susan Huff, senior center director.
Original link here http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_20886413/saratogas-got-talent-and-it-will-be-display?IADID
Saratoga's Got Talent - Entertains Saratoga's seniors
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_20569818/free-tap-lessons-lead-an-impressive-dance-career
The Saratoga's Got Talent team entertained Saratoga's Seniors. This was based on an old program agenda that I had sent to our reporter from Saratoga News – but the coverage includes almost all our performances. I specially like the last line of the article “The place was sold out and the crowd so enthusiastic it sounds like a repeat is surely in the offing.” - Rishi
HERE IS THE NEWS SNIPPET By Mary Ann Cook, for Saratoga News
Posted: 05/07/2012 07:34:21 PM PDTUpdated: 05/07/2012 07:34:21 PM PDT
The Saratoga Cares Foundation and Saratoga's Got Talent organizations brought a talent show to the Saratoga Senior Center's lunch program recently with a decided Indian slant. Providing food was the Mynt, a nearby Indian restaurant.
Mayor Chuck Page and Shekhar Joshi both performed standup comedy; Grace Peng, Nina Jayshankar, Cortnee Langlie and Vijay Parmar each sang popular songs; Julianna Pollifrone and Katie Burns sang original songs; Raffy Espiritu sang high tech parodies; and Sankhya Ghirnikar sang a Bollywood classical song.
Dancers included the Argonaut Elementary Girls with boogie woogie and Spanish Bollywood renditions; the Jollywood group Dandia; and Rishi and Seema Kumar, who performed a Bollywood dance. The place was sold out and the crowd so enthusiastic it sounds like a repeat is surely in the offing.
The Saratoga's Got Talent team entertained Saratoga's Seniors. This was based on an old program agenda that I had sent to our reporter from Saratoga News – but the coverage includes almost all our performances. I specially like the last line of the article “The place was sold out and the crowd so enthusiastic it sounds like a repeat is surely in the offing.” - Rishi
HERE IS THE NEWS SNIPPET By Mary Ann Cook, for Saratoga News
Posted: 05/07/2012 07:34:21 PM PDTUpdated: 05/07/2012 07:34:21 PM PDT
The Saratoga Cares Foundation and Saratoga's Got Talent organizations brought a talent show to the Saratoga Senior Center's lunch program recently with a decided Indian slant. Providing food was the Mynt, a nearby Indian restaurant.
Mayor Chuck Page and Shekhar Joshi both performed standup comedy; Grace Peng, Nina Jayshankar, Cortnee Langlie and Vijay Parmar each sang popular songs; Julianna Pollifrone and Katie Burns sang original songs; Raffy Espiritu sang high tech parodies; and Sankhya Ghirnikar sang a Bollywood classical song.
Dancers included the Argonaut Elementary Girls with boogie woogie and Spanish Bollywood renditions; the Jollywood group Dandia; and Rishi and Seema Kumar, who performed a Bollywood dance. The place was sold out and the crowd so enthusiastic it sounds like a repeat is surely in the offing.
Got Talent? Show it off at the blue rock shoot
Got talent? Show it off at the Blue Rock ShootBy Brian Babcock
bbabcock@community-newspapers.com
Posted: 02/27/2012 07:33:03 PM PSTUpdated: 02/27/2012 07:33:03 PM PST
Click photo to enlarge Photograph courtesy of Rishi Kumar
Grace Peng, Saratoga Resident and Kevin Lynch (Palo Alto...
bbabcock@community-newspapers.com
Posted: 02/27/2012 07:33:03 PM PSTUpdated: 02/27/2012 07:33:03 PM PST
Click photo to enlarge Photograph courtesy of Rishi Kumar
Grace Peng, Saratoga Resident and Kevin Lynch (Palo Alto...
