Swampscott talent showcase draws crowd

SWAMPSCOTT – It’s got beautiful beaches, a rich history and picturesque neighborhoods but on Saturday, April 2, the Swampscott Recreation Department will showcase the town’s most valuable asset: its talented citizens.Swampscott’s Got Talent is the town’s first “town-wide and all-ages talent show,” said Recreation Commission member Glenn Kessler. With performers on TV reality shows exhibiting every type of talent imaginable, Kessler said that commissioners thought they would showcase the talent right here in the Swampscott community.”We’ve got an 8 year old playing classical piano and a group from the senior center doing line dancing,” said Kessler. “You want to appeal to the entire community.”Sixteen acts have already signed up to perform, according to Kessler. But two audition nights – one held Monday evening and one scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday – will likely impact the final set list.”Unless they’re egregiously terrible? like can’t hold a tune at all – well, I hope it won’t come to that,” said Kessler. “But we know that we’re going to have some really interesting and great acts.”There will also be other opportunities for Swampscott residents to shine.The commissioners are collecting art from students at each of Swampscott’s schools to highlight those who prefer the visual to the performing arts, Kessler said.”We had a meeting with the principals and the superintendent and thought, ?Why not do something that promotes art?'” Kessler explained. Those are the things that, in tight economic situations, “get cut first,” he added.And, of course, anybody can come and provide applause.”No matter what act it is, to me it’s all about community,” said selectman David Van Dam, who is the Selectmen’s liaison to the Recreation Committee but, regretfully, admitted that his only talent to contribute would be as a volunteer. “It’s not a competition. It’s showcasing the talent in town and bringing everybody together.”Quick Facts:Swampscott’s Got Talent will be held Saturday, April 2 at Swampscott High School. The doors open at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are, as of yet, undecided.A second night of auditions will be held on Friday, March 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. Call Recreation Director Danielle Strauss at 781-596-8854 or email [email protected] for more information about the auditions and the event.