The show must go on.
Even during a global pandemic.
The Jamestown Community Chorus has received permission to host its annual talent show at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at the athletic complex on Lawn Avenue. It will be similar to the financial town meeting in June, which was conducted outdoors to comply with Gov. Gina Raimondo’s restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The event will allow audience members to watch and listen from their parked cars, and the show will be broadcast live via FM radio. There also will be socially distanced seating near the stage; those audience members will be required to wear masks.
“We hope we can raise everyone’s spirits a little bit in this very, very difficult time,” said B.J. Whitehouse, director of the chorus. “Let’s have fun.”
According to Whitehouse, there will be a staff of volunteers that will direct traffic to specific parking spaces “so that everyone will be able to easily see the performances.” Distancing guidelines and capacity limits set by Raimondo will be followed.
Rather than live auditions like past shows, candidates should send videos or audio recordings to bjwhitehouse2@cox.net by Sept. 11. That media should include a brief bio and explanation of the act. Performers chosen for the show will be notified via e-mail within two days of the deadline. Past acts have included singers, dancers, jugglers, magicians, comedians, musicians, ventriloquists and storytellers. Individual performances, duos and trios will be considered.
While the talent show traditionally has been the organization’s largest fundraiser, Whitehouse said the event this year is more of a “fun raiser.”
“There will be an opportunity for folks to donate,” Whitehouse said, “but we really don’t care too much. The community has supported the chorus since 1949, and we hope to bring a little semblance of normalcy and fun for the community.”
The rain date for the show is Sept. 19. Call Whitehouse at 401-423-1574 for more information.