It is time for the seventh annual Share the Dream Talent Show, held each year in Wilson NC in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Proceeds, and canned goods, from the event go right into the Wilson community.
Saturday, January 16, 2016, the event begins at 6pm. Doors open at 5pm, with tickets on sale for $5 per person; reduced to $2 for children under 12. This event is organized by the State of North Carolina’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commissioner, Jacquie Jeffers, who was appointed by Governor Pat McCrory.
The Share the Dream Talent Show is a community activity that gives citizens, from Wilson and surrounding areas, an opportunity to showcase their talents on stage. Past programs have included singers, dancers, impersonators, poets, a fashion showcase, and musicians.
An exciting addition this year is Andy “Elvis” Woodall — an Elvis impersonator from Garner NC.
The location is new this year: the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, which is an arts venue complete with an art gallery and a 650-seat theatre. Built almost 100 years ago in 1919, the restored Cultural Center is located at 108 Nash Street NE, in Wilson NC.
The Share the Dream Talent Show is a family oriented event, so all ages may enjoy watching community artists share their talents. The talent show would not be possible without the diligent volunteers, who give their time before and during this special event.
Money raised from ticket sales — 100% of it — goes back into the community. In addition to the ticket fees per person, bring at least one can of food to donate during the event. The collected canned goods will go to Wilson’s Community Soup Kitchen, which feeds individuals and families in need, and provides housing and work assistance. The Community Soup Kitchen is located at 307 N Railroad Street, in Wilson NC. Any questions regarding donations may be directed to Neill Connor at 252.292.8019 or 252.245.6177. A list of potential foods needed is included in the December 2015 newspaper article here.
Local businesses, including restaurants, have provided door prizes, and all ticket-holders are included in the drawings.
There will also be vendors at the site; to support these local businesses, consider bringing a little spending money.
This year’s hosts are Selena, from Power 95.5 FM radio — the First Lady of the Midday — and Freddie Williams of Soul 92 Jams radio.
Share the Dream Community Awards:
- Bobbie Jones, County Commissioner
- Dr. Christine Fitch, School Board Chairman
- Linda & Neill Connor, Community Soup Kitchen
- Tonchelle Lucas, Woman Up!
- Janet Connor Knox, Journalism
- Freddie Williams, Charted 2 Change
- Farmington Heights Church, Community Missionary
- David Whiteside, Walgreens
This annual event is co-sponsored by the Arts Council of Wilson. Visit the Arts Council online at www.wilsonarts.com.
For more information or to ask questions about attending, or donating, contact the organizer — Martin Luther King, Jr. Commissioner, Jacquie “Lady J” Jeffers — at ladyjideas@yahoo.com.
The show schedule is already set, with talent auditioning during The Whirligig Festival in November 2015. For those interested in auditioning for 2017 and sharing their talents next year, stop by the sign-up table in the lobby during this January 16, 2016, show.
Can’t come? Sorry to hear that! The Share the Dream Talent Show will be televised on WNCR TV 41 of Rocky Mount in 250,000 homes:
- Greenlight Channel 412
- Sudden link Channel 20
- Centurylink Prism Channel 41
- CrystalBroad Band Networks Channel 6
Previous Year Talent Show Photos
