Throughout the year, talented Keweenaw Peninsula residents can be found playing music at shops or on the street. Others have crafty knitting skills that they use to create a variety of cat toys. Some others are just happy to see talented people show off their passions.
In April, the Hancock Community Hub will host the inaugural Keweenaw’s Got Talent show, bringing together local performers for an evening of entertainment and community celebration.
Jesse Wiederhold from Visit Keweenaw will serve as the show’s master of ceremonies. Over the last decade, he has developed a talent for caring for house plants, and he wants to see the Keweenaw cultivate the talent of the region while highlighting the area’s residents.
“I want these performers to feel as comfortable as possible. I want the audience to belly laugh all night. I want people to go home smiling,” Wiederhold said. “And I really just hope to keep that night moving along, make everyone feel comfortable getting on stage, give everyone the equal shot to put their best foot forward and have a great night. And I promise I’m going to put on a show for everyone too.”
Organizers will close submissions March 1. Wiederhold says the event has already received a great response from the Copper Country’s community, with eight talented people already signed up to take the Rachel Blau Memorial Theater stage inside the Hancock Community Hub.
“This truly is a space that can fit hundreds if not thousand plus people and it’s so underutilized. But again, old buildings with history need a lot of work,” Wiederhold said. “So this is one of these first attempts to really get that building revitalized, bring some life and energy into it and hopefully raise some fundraising to keep things like this happening.”
Wiederhold adds that, just like with any event happening for the first time, organizers are feeling the pressure to bring a great show. But he knows the region has a lot of talent at hand.
“Perhaps we’ll see some magicians. Or maybe even some feats of strength. We’re definitely looking for more submissions, though,” Wiederhold said. “Something wonderful, we are announcing we will have a $500 grand prize for folks 18 and up. So seventeen and younger will all go home with an award as well. But announcing that we have that $500 grand prize, so maybe more people will be willing to show off their talent.”
The talent show will also act as a fundraiser to support the Hancock Community Hub’s major projects.
“Big level infrastructure will be needed over the future in the life of the building. So some things like new roofing, perhaps new bathrooms, and just again, keeping that building efficient,” Wiederhold said. “Older buildings are less efficient with their heating mechanisms. So just truly, they’re going to begin overhauling that building, and this is the start.”
Keweenaw’s Got Talent will continue to accept acts for the show until March 1. Those interested in getting involved and wanting to show off their talents for the community can learn more about the event online. Those interested in learning about the Hancock Community Hub and its mission to create a space for building communities in Hancock can find more details online.
Register to perform at the Keweenaw’s Got Talent evening on April 11th here.
