Culture Watch

Catch A Falling Star

Carolina Star is gearing up for the end of its first season. From what I gather, the show went under a lot of people’s radars, which is actually something of a shame, because it actually has a homegrown, good-idea-if-six-years-too-late kind of charm. In essence, Carolina Star is like a local version of American Idol, and uses pretty much the same format. From an initial field of several hundred, a group of 25 serious competitors were picked to sing in an elimination-based tournament held at the Orange Peel. Each week, contestants sang snippets of songs chosen from that week’s theme (“Classic Rock,” for instance) as performed by backing band Crocodile Smile. Over the course of the season, this number has been slowly whittled down to five, from which the final winner will be chosen. Contestants have been competing for a whopping $10,000 grand prize, as well as a recording contract (the actual details of which have yet to be settled on). Although the finale was actually filmed last week, the final episode of Carolina Star won’t air until the evening of Saturday, June 30, at 11:30 p.m. on Channel 13 WLOS. According to producer/judge Kevin Geagan, the final episode will include the “live announcement of the winner.” Info at www.carolinastar.net

Extended play

Just in case you’re tired of the non-stop didgeridoo action that is the Courtyard Gallery’s weekly open mike, you might want to check out the new “original-music-only” Monday-night open mike at the Root Bar. Performance slots are 20 minutes each, and are available on a “first-come, first-served” basis (although the slots are randomly chosen). Local singer/songwriter Dave Turner hosts the show, and recordings of each night’s performances will be available for $10 at the end of the evening. More info at www.Rootbar.com

Quick! Read This!

And just so you don’t forget: The 48 Hour Film Project is gearing up for its third run in Asheville. Competing teams have a scant 48 hours (over the weekend of July 20) to write, cast, shoot and edit a short film, with prizes and bragging rights going to the best. Space is limited, and early registration is highly suggested. Info at www.48hourfilm.com/asheville

[Contact Steve Shanafelt at unknowncity@hotmail.com]

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