American Kids National Finals July 14-18

Young entertainers have been preparing since January across the Midwest and July 14-18 they will be competing for up to $7,600 in cash and prizes and the title of Performer of the Year at the American Kids Inc. 2008 National Finals at the Baldknobber’s Theater.

“Before American Idol, Star Search and America’s Got Talent, American Kids Inc. has been showcasing the nation’s talented young performers for 26 years,” said Dr. Dale Smith, founder of the non-profit group based in Branson known as the nation’s only little league of entertainers.

Some 213 acts and more than 100 kids will compete in the annual talent contest judged by an impressive slate of national and celebrity judges.

Competition begins at 9 a.m. Monday-Thursday with an awards ceremony on Friday morning. The event will culminate in the AllStar Show at 2 p.m. Friday, July 18, where 25 of the top acts will be showcased. One winner will be selected as Performer of the Year and win a $1,000 cash prize and a recording session from Rockabilly Recording Company of Branson. Tickets to the show are $10 and available at the door.

AllStar judges include Tyree Mc Lyn, casting producer for “America’s Got Talent,” Rickey Schultz, founder and president of Zebra Records, John Beasley, musician and producer who has worked with shows such as “American Idol,” “America’s Got Talent,” and “Singing Bee.”

Among the preliminary judges are Jason Pritchett, 2007 finalist “America’s Got Talent,” Barbara Fairchild, Grammy nominated singer and performer, and Louise Harrison, sister of Beatles George Harrison and developer of Liverpool Legends. More celebrity judges are Gary S. Paxton, Grammy winner, and Jason Yeager, 2008 American Idol finalist.

In addition, many American Kids national finalists will be showcased on various Branson stages throughout the week. Monday-Thursday, many will be featured on Center Stage at the Branson Mall. On Tuesday, some will be featured in a pre-show at the Hamner Barber Variety Show at 8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday finalists will present pre-shows at Justin Flom’s Imaginary Theatre at 7:20 p.m. On Thursday they will be in the pre-show at the Baldknobber’s Jamboree 8 p.m. show.

At the national competition, also recognized are member of the year for community service, college scholarship recipients and a penny drive for a children’s health charity is completed.

“We have many members performing in Branson, on Broadway and on tour, with Disney and in Nashville: Bryan White, Kristin Chenoweth and Blake Shelton are alumnus. Fame and fortune are not promised, but personal development is. We promise exposure, growth, character development and opportunity. Because of the experience gained from being on stage, our members are better prepared for whatever they choose to do in life,” said Smith.

For more information call the national office manager Brenda Hoffstatter at 1-800-377-8117 OR 417-337-8964 or go to the website at www.americankids.com.

-30-