The Rotary Club of Plainfield, WCTY 97.7 are gearing up for their 9th annual country music talent competition set for May 17th with a new enthusiasm and zest. This American idol style competition is a hit every year for the entire eastern Connecticut area. The contestants compete for monetary prizes ranging from $300 for 3rd place to $500 for first place. The competition winner will also get an amazing opportunity of eight hours recording time with Drift Sound Studios. The judges for the 2014 show are a powerhouse of musical talent and experience and should give the contestants and the audience a versatile and accomplished view of the individual performances. As always the show will be hosted by the forever entertaining Jimmy Lane and Shelly Martinez  from the morning show on WCTY 97.7.

Over the past nine years this exciting and entertaining music competition has been able to raise between sixty and seventy thousand dollars from it’s net proceeds. These funds have all been used to support community, national and international activities thru the Rotary Club of Plainfield.

At a local level they support scholarships for outstanding high school graduates, literacy activities to encourage young readers and to emphasis the importance of reading at all levels, help for families in need, provide extra supplies to support special needs in their schools and support for families at Thanksgiving and Christmas. They also support international youth exchange with students both coming into our area as well as sending students out to other nations.

At a national level they support disaster relieve, do joint projects with other Rotary Clubs for charitable needs, etc, and at an international level they support the efforts of Rotary International in the ongoing battle to eliminate Polio. This effort has been going on for years and we are near victory in the fight against this terrible disease. They also supply funding for Shelter boxes used in areas of severe disaster. These boxes are fully supplied to house a family of up to ten people and help with fresh water and food. Their most current activity is an attempt to raise $100 for every Rotary member in their district to save the lives of 100 children through the supply of clean water in undeveloped countries. Their aim is to raise $240,000 and thereby save 240,000 children from losing their lives from being forced to live in unsanitary conditions. A portion of this years show proceeds will go directly to this cause.

As always this show is an extraordinary family event to see and participate in as you cheer and vote on your favorite talent. There will also be their traditional raffle with celebrity autographed guitars and tickets to some big shows at Mohegan Sun, so there is a chance for everyone to be a winner at this home grown event. You never know, you may be this year’s shining star!

Directions

The Country Music Talent Show is held in the Plainfield High School Auditorium, Plainfield High School, 87 Putnam Road, Central Village, CT(860) 564-6417.