During this Round 1 event, contestants will sing a song of their choice, a capella, for the GATS judges. If that contestant moves on to Round 2, he or she will sing a song to tracked music accompaniment.   Round 2 events are scheduled in North Little Rock for late August or early September.

Admission to only the Family Zone at Riverfest is FREE, but contestants must have a paid registration prior to auditioning.  Tickets to the Riverfest Arkansas Festival can be found at: http://riverfestarkansas.com/ticketsmerch/

Through five rounds of competitions, singers will showcase their voice and compete for prizes and scholarships. The Grand Prize winner of the GATS will receive $3000.00, a recording contract with Infrared Records, a complete album produced by Infrared Recording Studios, a professional photo shoot and marketing package, as well as presentation to a major record label.   One finalist will perform on a major stage during Riverfest 2013.
GATS Producer, Eric Chesher, says that “there is no other contest in the state like The Great Arkansas Talent Search. If you are a singer, this is your chance to improve your career.” Several past winners and finalists have already showcased for Virgin Group.  Other former contestants, like 2009 runner up Amanda Cramer, have performed as a supporting artist for groups like The Band Perry and Charlie Daniels Band. (see amandacramermusic.com).

All ages and genres of music are welcome. Participants are strongly encouraged to register at thegreatarkansastalentsear​ch.com. Questions and phone registration are available by calling Infrared Studios at 501-771-4822.

The 2012 GATS is proud to have Riverfest as a sponsor.

Registration for The Great Arkansas Talent Search is a one-time fee of $50.00, paid on or before the date of the Round 1 event.

Infrared Records and Great Arkansas Talent Search Director, Rex Bell, announced today that 2012 Round 1 Auditions will begin on Saturday, March 31, 2012.    The first Round 1 Audition event will be held at Infrared Studios, 401 Maple St, Suite B, North Little Rock.   Dr. Bell

Eric Chesher, Infrared’s Producer says, “We expect to make the 2012 Great Arkansas Talent Search bigger and better!  Our plan is to cover every corner of the state in 2012.”

The Great Arkansas Talent Search enters its 6th season in 2012.   Over 1500 contestants have entered the competition, and dozens have showcased their talent for Virgin Records.

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS FIRST 2012 EVENT!

Haggard Collins was announced as the Grand Prize winner of the 2011 Great Arkansas Talent Search Thursday night.   A favorite of the audience as well as other GATS contestants, Collins receives $3000 in cash, a fully produced album by Infrared Studios to be released on Infrared Records, a complete marketing package and presentation to Virgin Records.  Collins performed “Diamonds On The Inside,” and followed with Adele’s “Rollin’ In The Deep,” to a packed house at First Presbyterian Church in North Little Rock.

Kim Stephens, Vice President of A&R for Capitol Group (which includes Virgin Records), attended the GATS Finals and was a guest judge.  Stephens said that of the 4 years he has attended the GATS Finals, he felt this year’s talent was the best he has seen. “And Haggard Collins could go on tour tomorrow.”

Infrared Studios/Infrared Records Producer Eric Chesher noted that selecting a grand prize winner out of 13 finalists is tough, and agreed with Mr. Stephens’ assessment.  “Haggard is the contestant who is the farthest along in his career.”

All 13 finalists won a paid membership into  the Recording Academy of The Grammy Association, and a fully produced, two song demo package.

Plans are in the works for a repeat showcase of the 13 Great Arkansas Talent Search finalists.

In addition, it was announced earlier in the day that Round 1 Auditions of the 2012 Great Arkansas Talent Search will start on March 19th.

The 2011 Great Arkansas Talent Search Finalists:

• Zach McKenzie
• Amelia Futch
• Denise Graham
• Katie Johnson
• Haggard Collins
• Mary Sanders
• Justin Shaw
• Brent Pless
• Anthony McGee
• Lauren Faulkner
• Tori Sneed
• Josh Green
• Jax Nassar

The Great Arkansas Talent Search completed its 6th season November 17th, 2011.   Round 1 auditions started in June of 2011, and over 150 contestants performed on stage in front of a live audience.  Round 1 auditions were held at Infrared Studios in North Little Rock, and in locations across the state including: The Little O’ Oprey in West Fork, AR, Morrilton High School, The John T. Lightle Center in Searcy, AR, and Guillermo’s in West Little Rock.  One Round 1 event was held at Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, MS.

The 2011 Great Arkansas Talent Search would like to thank the sponsors:  Argenta Arts Foundation, Crain Media (Big Rock 93.3, 106.3 The River, Y 107, kHits 96.5, and K99.9), 107 Liquor, Guillermo’s Gourmet Grounds, Cornerstone Pub, and shutterTHAT! Music Photography.   Dr. Rex Bell is the Director of the Great Arkansas Talent Search and Infrared Studios / Infrared Records.

• Brent Pless
• Mary Sanders
• Josh Green
• Katie Johnson
• Denise Graham
• Haggard Collins
• Zach McKenzie
• Lauren Faulkner
• Justin Shaw
• Anthony McGee
• Amelia Futch
• Jax Nassar
• Tori Snead

All contestants from all rounds this season are invited to receive a complimentary ticket to this performance.

The official GATS YouTube channel is here.   See one of the clips in the full post:

• GATS Semi Finals
Thursday, October 27th, 7pm

• GATS 2011 Finals
Thursday, November 17th, 7pm.

You are cordially invited to attend and hear some amazing performances.

Both events will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in North Little Rock.
4th and Maple St. 72114.

$5 Admission

]]> http://thegreatarkansastalentsearch.net/2011/10/2011-gats-semi-finals-scheduled/feed/ 0 http://thegreatarkansastalentsearch.net/2011/06/293/ http://thegreatarkansastalentsearch.net/2011/06/293/#comments Wed, 22 Jun 2011 22:40:51 +0000 InfraTim http://thegreatarkansastalentsearch.net/?p=293 World Renowned Musicians Headline Argentaʼs World Music Night

Advance tickets: $25 http://worldmusicnight.eventbrite.com/

Three Infrared Records artists perform a full spectrum of World Music for one night, on one stage.
…Thursday, June 23rd at the Argenta Community Theater, 7pm

Kent Burnside, grandson of blues legend R.L. Burnside, celebrates his Infrared Records CD release, “Too Late For Tears.” Kent, with his group, The New Generation, brings a combination of Kentʼs own blues music, while paying homage to his grandfather and other blues greats. Kent has toured all over the United States including opening for Buddy Guy in California, and performed in venues such as Buddy Guy’s Legends and the Hard Rock Café in Chicago, and
Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, MS.

Internationally known reggae sensation, the Jah Kings, featuring Alexander Kofi Washington have toured to Ghana, West Africa and all over the U.S. This group has won numerous national
reggae awards, and is receiving international acclaim. After a joint show with Kent Burnside & The New Generation this spring, the Jah Kings are stopping in Argenta during their Midwest summer tour. They will be performing music off of their latest Infrared Records album, Afrikan Diaspora.

Kasie Lunsford, accompanied by the Rex Bell Trio, brings a cross of traditional jazz standards and adult contemporary music from her self-titled album on Infrared Records. Kasie was a finalist in the 2009 Great Arkansas Talent Search. Rex Bell, renowned pianist and composer, has performed his original works to acclaim at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Infrared Records and the Argenta Arts Foundation are pleased to bring you this evening of diverse music by these world class artists.

For more information, see: infraredrecords.com
To purchase tickets: worldmusicnight.eventbrite.com.
Tickets are $25 in advance, limited seating.

The GATS team is scheduling Round 1 events all over the state!  Two Round 1 events will be in North Little Rock at the Infrared Studios, 401 Maple St.  (Behind the First Presbyterian Church.)  Expect to see the GATS producers out soon, auditioning the next group of contestants!

If you are interested in hosting a Round 1 event at your school, church or business, please,  Email us here.

GATS FAQ’s:

• Is there a registration fee?

There is a one-time registration fee of $50. This fee helps us put on the contest, which lasts several rounds and includes dozens and dozens of talented musicians and singers.

• What do I need to prepare for Round 1?

For the first audition you will sing any song you like, with no background tracks or music. You will sing in front of the judge’s panel very much like you see on television.

• Do I need to register before my first audition?

Yes. Every contestant must be registered before their audition. You can register on site the day of your audition, or you can call us directly at 501-771-4822.

• What happens if I make it to round 2?

If you are successful and you make it through the first round, you will be given the date, time and place for Round 2.

• What will the judges be looking for?

The judges will be judging you not only on how well you sing, but also on stage presence, poise, and we will be looking for the singers who are different, and stand out. Song selection is the most important part of round 1. Be sure to select a song that really shows who you are as an artist, and showcases the good features of your voice.

For more FAQ’s, please see our GATS FAQ page.