PUNCH’S Hotel is platform for a wealth of emerging performers next week with a run of four nights of Limerick’s Got Talent. The sequence of three heat nights on Tuesday August 16, Wednesday 17, Thursday 19 at 7.45pm will see at least four acts selected each evening for competition proper on Friday 19.
Producer Mike O’Connor and his son Paul as technical manager head up this annual event that releases the sound of music from local people of all ages but mostly young ‘uns. Mike fills us in on this year’s format:
“We are awash in volunteer judges for 2011 so we have a panel of five each night with Michelle McMahon of Spin FM and Billy Franklin of Flawless Dance as anchors. Judges will select three acts from each night to go forward to Friday’s final and the audience will vote in another.
“Expect a couple of wild cards to slip through the net also so Friday 19 could see up to 15 do their utmost for the top prize of €500. Runner-up gets €100 and there are additional prizes supplied by O’Donovan Digital Video Productions and Munster Images event photography of mini promotional shoots to be used to enhance their careers”.
Another prize will go to Best Entertainment Act on the final night, a niche taken last year by rock band If Memory Serves.
MCs through the week are the experienced Trevor Birmingham, Eilis Walsh and Matty Ring. Tickets on sale for music, song and dance delivered competitively at Punch’s Hotel, Punch’s Cross from Monday 15; 7.45pm start up nightly.
