Asheville teen among five finalists in national “Blind Idol” singing competition

From IFB Solutions:

Asheville’s Jordan Scheffer finalist in National “Blind Idol” Singing Competition
Will perform at Winston-Salem Arts Council Theater on Aug. 12 at 7 p.m.

The country’s most inspiring and impassioned singers who also happen to be legally blind are participating in the national Blind Idol singing competition organized by IFB Solutions. Now in its 3^rd season, Blind Idol kicked off in the spring with audio submissions that led to the selection of 15 semi-finalists who auditioned in Raleigh with live performances. The judges selected five finalists, and each contestant will be accompanied by a live band to perform two individual pieces and one song as a group. The winner receives a Grand Prize package valued at $3,000 including a $1,000 cash award, recording time in a professional studio and a professional headshot. Complete details available at www.blindidol.com

The 2017 Blind Idol singing competition is sponsored by IFB’s A Brighter Path Programs, which links people who are blind or visually impaired to a wide range of recreational activities, practical courses, specialized vision products and adaptive technologies to increase self-reliance and bolster personal independence. Anastasia Powell, IFB’s Adult Program Coordinator, has been involved with Blind Idol since the event’s inception and is particularly excited about this year’s diversity of musical styles.

“This year’s Blind Idol finale has something for everyone, from country and R&B to opera, rap and Latin music,” says Powell. “At IFB, our mission is to help individuals who are blind or visually impaired succeed in every aspect of their lives. Blind Idol is one way we are realizing this mission by providing a path for individuals who are blind to pursue and celebrate their musical talents.”

The Blind Idol five finalists are Jordan Scheffer (Asheville, N.C.), Michael Kendall Harris (Salt Lake City, Utah), Deandre Kellyman (Winston-Salem, N.C.), Mary Mikels (Raleigh, N.C.), and Deanah “D’Meri” Sargeant (Dover, Del.).

Jordan Scheffer, 18, has been singing since age 8, and enjoys singing ethnic music, especially songs with African origins. She has worked with voice coach Danny Ellis. She performed songs by Adele and Asa in her semi-final competition, and will sing two songs by Jimmy Cliff in the finals.

• WHEN: Saturday, August 12, 2017, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

• WHERE: Arts Council Theater, 610 Coliseum Drive NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. Admission is $5.00 and open to the public.

• MORE: IFB Solutions is a nonprofit corporation founded in 1936 that provides employment, training and services for people who are blind or visually impaired. As the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in the United States, IFB operates manufacturing facilities in Winston-Salem, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Little Rock, Ark., in addition to more than 40 office supply stores and optical centers across the country. IFB Solutions funds employee training and services as well as community programs through its IFB Solutions Foundation, making possible the Community Low Vision Centers across North Carolina and in Little Rock, Arkansas, as well as Tracy’s Little Red Schoolhouse based in Winston-Salem. www.ifbsolutions.org