Third Annual Ottack Mode Competition honors kid talent
Ages 6-16 compete in Asbury's Got Talent dance and vocal contest
For the second year in a row 12-year-old Troi Gaines of Newark won top honors during the Third Annual Ottack Mode Competition held Sunday evening at VFW Harold Daley Post #1333 on Lake Avenue.
His throwback crooner style and powerful vocals won over the judges and audience with his take on Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me.”
“I want to thank my family and the audience for clapping for me,” he said.
After collecting the $300 prize and glass starred trophy, Troi performed an a cappella rendition of Bruno Mars’ “Grenade.”
Unique Dancers – Asbury Park’s own dance trio, began with a soulful rendition of “Take Me To The King” before breaking into a dance compilation that ended with intricate step dance movements. Comprised of city residents 11-year-old Diamond Marcus, Kay Sionne Clarke, and Janixa Brave, the girls took home the second place $200 prize, while 10-year-old Ayana Mountain of Long Branch was awarded the $100 third place prize for her rendition of Alicia Keys’ “No One.”
“I am totally amazed by the talent that is here today,” contest judge Jackie Pappas, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, said. “You just get better and better every year. This is a really tough job for the judges. You should all be very, very, proud of your hard work.”
The judging panel included Pappas, Duanne Small, BOE member Felicia Simmons, and Neptune resident Deon Laster, a Philadelphia University of Arts graduate who runs an entertainment company and Perfect Storm radio show.
“As you move forward, people are going to tell you it took a lot of courage to do what you do,” Laster said. “The truth of the matter is that it is not about courage when it comes that natural to you. It’s just about being honest to who you are. All of you re-inspired.”
Guest performers Street Justice Crew from Long Island – the Delgado brother/sister trio – brought old school break dancing moves back to the forefront, while Clean Music Movement Coalition’s Diamond Girl, Justis Bratt and Ken Evet elevated the skill tempo.
Evet, 13, from Virginia will be receive a presidential recognition for his anti-bullying against children campaign.
Special awards were given – Sisters With Attitude members Noelle,6, and Ju’Well,8, Quarterman, and Ganiyah Prior, 9, all of Asbury Park won best dressed, while the Love Award went to 8-year-old Madison Gaines.
The contestants of Asbury Park’s take on ‘You’ve Got Talent,’ were judged on originality, skill and audience engagement, Pappas said.
Complete with guest performances from as far as Virginia and Newark, the evening was a best off of dance and singing talents for children ages 6 to 16, founder Lamar “Noto” Walker said [shown below].
The local dance program was inspired by Walker’s son.
“My son used to be behind me dancing but I never noticed it,” Walker said. “When I moved down here I wanted to continue teaching him, so I would do it at my barbershop, [at 1400 Asbury Avenue].”
When a few neighborhood kids took note, one by one, they began seeking Walker’s tutelage. Today, Walker rents studio space to teach close to 30 children from Neptune and Asbury Park.
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