Hampton Idol: All About Empowerment

Throughout the East End, there seems to be a surplus of creative and expressive people; and the youth who live here are no exception.

Earlier this year, in January, more than 45 young performers turned out for auditions for the Southampton Youth Bureau’s fifth annual “Hampton Idol” singing competition. Since then, the list of performers has been whittled down to 21 singers who will perform and compete against their peers for the title of “Idol” on Saturday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. at Southampton High School.

Tracy Kolsin, assistant Youth Bureau director, said in a recent interview that though the competition is similar to the concept behind the über-popular Fox network television program, “American Idol,” “Hampton Idol” has been tailored-made for its East End venue and participants.

“Our student emcees, Alexia Smith and Francesco Loggozzo, also former winners of ‘Hampton Idol,’ will warm up the audience before performers go on for one three-minute song,” he said. “From there, the judges will choose only seven performers from that group of 21, and after intermission, the seven selected by judges will sing a second pre-chosen song. From those finalists, we offer awards to the top three performers.”

The judges this year will be Eva Adalai, James Benard, Charles Certain, Bonnie Grice, David Rattiner, Noreen Foster and Mr. Loggozzo, according to Mr. Kolsin.

All of the participants have been busy rehearsing since January. Tirelessly so, said Mr. Kolsin, who added that a strong support system has been put into place for the competitors; namely through the guidance of longtime Sag Harbor resident Jim Turner, who is a fixture on the East End music scene.

Though the Southampton Youth Bureau has dubbed Mr. Turner a “coach” for the children participating, he said he feels rather humbled by that title and considers himself less of a coach and more of a “musical peer.”

“I’m really here to help these kids feel empowered when they perform,” Mr. Turner said during an interview at his home. “I’m a big believer in keeping an upbeat, positive attitude when mentoring them. I’ve been doing this for a long time and I think at this point I’ve finally become comfortable with my own style of performance. So it’s not easy, but in the end that’s what music should be about, having fun and feeling the power behind your music.”

Honing the competitor’s performance skills has been a primary goal for Mr. Turner in working with participants, he said. Though each performer is unique in his or her own way, he said that he sees a lot of the same performance behaviors—bringing the microphone too close to the mouth, lack of eye contact, locked up feet and tense shoulders are common for those starting out.

“I don’t think there’s necessarily one right or wrong way to go about performing per se because it’s a personal thing,” he said. “However, there are a few things singers should consider when they’re up on stage. Remember, you’re trying to create a connection with the audience, in addition to singing to the best of your abilities, and that is easily achieved.”

According to Mr. Turner, he often refers back to the importance of body language and mindfulness when working with the teenagers.

“Sometimes kids get really locked up and stiff. It’s understandable. Right when you walk on that stage, I find and I’ve seen it in others, you get this wave of anxiety, discomfort, blended with excitement and a bit of pride,” he said. “I tell them, ‘Hey, don’t bring what doesn’t belong on stage.’ You have to come to the stage with confidence, even if you’re feeling a bit shaky inside.”

Ms. Smith, who won the title of “Hampton Idol” two years ago, said she totally agrees with Mr. Turner’s assessment of first-time performance stage fright.

“I love to perform but the first time around, I was pretty nervous,” she said. “He [Mr. Turner] has been really helpful with this year’s group. He shows you how to calm down pretty quick.”

Building up a sense of empowerment is really the overall goal of “Hampton Idol” and many other Youth Bureau programs, according to Mr. Kolsin.

“The Youth Bureau looks to empower teens, build self confidence and bring together people from different communities and backgrounds. Although we are offering first, second and third place prizes, primarily, the ‘Hampton Idol’ is not a competition. We try to strive to make everyone feel they are a winner by working together,” Mr. Kolsin said.

Mr. Loggozzo said that he has gotten quite a bit out of his experiences with “Hampton Idol.”

“It’s a really great program and it lets a lot of kids do something, like perform on stage in front of a lot of people, that they might not have a chance to do somewhere else just yet. I feel really honored to be a judge and it’s been a real learning experience for me without a doubt,” he laughed.

When the spotlight hits the stage at Southampton High School on Saturday night, Mr. Turner said he will be waiting in the wings, cheering on the performers alongside parents, friends and other family members. But before that day comes, he offered one final piece of advice for “Hampton Idol” competitors:

“Feeling is the biggest and best technique you can use. When you emote, it’s an easy trick to play on audiences even if you’re nervous because you can tap into feelings that lie beneath the surface,” he said. “I have no doubt it will be a really amazing night.”

The fifth annual “Hampton Idol Vocal Competition” will be held on Saturday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. at Southampton High School. Tickets are $10 per person, plus one non-perishable food item, which the Youth Advisory Committee will donate to local food pantries. For additional information, call 702-2425, email ylevine@southamptontownny.gov or visit southamptontownny.gov/youthbureau.