FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2004

PRESS RELEASE
Venita Robinson
Davis & Associates
415-274-1821
venita@davis-pr.com

APOLLO IN THE CITY DEBUTS SAN FRANCISCO’S NEWEST TALENT SEARCH COMPETITION
First Place Winner to receive $10,000 Grand Prize and Recording Contract

San Francisco, CA – Apollo in the City is Northern California’s newest entertainment company that produces weekly variety shows designed for local amateur entertainers of any age. The show features singers, dancers, rappers, comedians and spoken word performers who are judged by the audience using an applause meter.

“Our show gives you a front row seat to some of the best untapped talent in the Bay Area,” said Zondra Evans, Apollo in the City vice president of operations. “The Bay Area has been, largely, ignored by Hollywood, but our show is putting the spotlight back on the aspiring stars who live and work in the Bay Area and dream of a chance of a lifetime,” said Evans.

Contestants from San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland and Sacramento are competing for a $10,000 grand prize and a recording contract with Cisum Entertainment & Production. The show is divided into three categories featuring children age 3-11 years, 12-17 years and adults 18 and older. No “booing” is allowed in the children’s category, but adults are subject to the crowd’s praises or rejection. Beginning in January, one winner has been selected from a list of eight to nine adult contestants each week. Children are only given the floor to build their confidence and performance skills. So far a Daly City police officer and a mother and daughter are competing for the winning title.

The final round of competitions will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2004 and will include a special appearance by Grammy nominated artist Kenny Lattimore and R&B singer songwriter Chante Moore. Other special guests have included The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards, Impromp2 and local artists such as Pete Escovedo.

“When schools eliminate their theatre and music programs they also take away golden opportunities for young people to perform and perfect their talents before a live audience,” said Evans. “Our shows provide a stage for anyone who wants to showoff in front of a hometown crowd that has family friendly appeal.”

Apollo in the City offers more than just a talent competition it also offers a three-hour training session to teach aspiring performers about the entertainment industry including record distribution, publicity and radio promotions. The company donates a portion of the ticket proceeds to selected schools and community-based organizations in each of the four core cities where auditions were held. The second season of competitions is scheduled to begin in July 2004.

The final show dates for this season are March 26th and April 2nd. These shows start at 8:00 p.m. with doors opening at 7:00 p.m. The grand finale is on April 24th. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. All shows will be held at The Masonic Auditorium at 1111 California Street in Nob Hill. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.apollointhecity.com or www.cityboxoffice.com. Group sales are also available through Apollo in the City at (877) 276-5564. For vendor space and advertisement contact Sherrie Burrell at 510-482-2452 or e-mail her at burrellconsulting@yahoo.com.