An evening of excitement is on the way for the community as talent from across the county is getting geared up to compete in the first ever Sampson County’s Got Talent.

Presented by The Sampson Arts Council, 21 diverse acts will be going head-to-head in a talent show with the aim of claiming a top spot where prizes await the winners.

“We are thrilled to present the inaugural ‘Sampson County’s Got Talent’ talent show, a celebration of our community and a platform to nurture creativity,” Kara Donatelli, executive director of the Sampson Arts Council, said. “The show features a wide variety of dance routines, singers, musicians and more, which allows talented local individuals to shine and share their gifts with a wider audience. We hope everyone will join us for this family-friendly event that showcases the vibrancy and artistic spirit of Sampson County.”

The event takes place on April 27 at 7 p.m. and is being hosted at the Sampson County Exposition Center in Clinton. Tickets for entry are priced at $20 each but a group ticket discount is available for $15 per ticket when purchasing five or more. Tickets can be secured at www.sampsonarts.net/sampsons-got-talent-24, or also purchased at the Sampson County Exposition Center box office by calling 910-592-7200.

As for what’s at stake, competitors are vying for prizes totaling $1,850. Up for grabs are a grand prize of $1,000, $500 for second place and $250 for third place. The final $100 prize is up to the audience as they’ll choose their favorite act by voting for People’s Choice Award.

The lineup of talented contestants for Sampson County’s Got Talent is stacked and the Arts Council provided the list of who’s expected to perform.

Those names include Avery Robinson on piano; Mikayla Moore showcasing dance; Faith Wilson with her vocal prowess; Katy Hales playing guitar and showcasing vocals; Madeleine Reeves dancing; Mabel Rose Parker with her vocal talent; Kelly LaRue with her vocal skills; Andrew Usher and Harrison Williams performing with instruments and vocals; Jewell Carr showcasing clogging; Anna Embler on piano and vocals; Corina Richards twirling the baton and Rachel West displaying her vocal abilities.

Additionally, Tristin Lee-Costin will perform on drums; Griffin Floryan on the piano; Kiyah Braxton singing; Makenna Brewen, Sofia Fleury and Kenzy Yang dancing; Brittany Jean Blackburn playing guitar and singing; Brady Daughtry showcasing yo-yo skills; Sunshine Harper and Peyton Cashwell performing vocally; Melina Matthews with her vocal talent; and Jasmin Solar on the piano.

Bringing her love for the arts, and passion for nurturing young talent will be Carli Batson, who spotlights as the events master of ceremonies. From advocating for arts programs across the state to Miss Greater Sampson County to Miss North Carolina 2021 and beyond, Batson is now bringing her expertise to the stage as emcee for Sampson County’s Got Talent.

Directing Sampson County’s Got Talent is Sampson’s seasoned theater director and arts enthusiast Angela Martin. With an extensive experience in directing productions, both locally and globally, Martin is taking that professionalism and flair to Sampson County’s Got Talent, hoping to bring an unforgettable inaugural talent show to all.

“The Sampson Arts Council invites the community to explore its ongoing efforts in promoting the arts beyond the talent show,” The Sampson Arts Council stated in a message. “Visitors can enjoy captivating art exhibits such as Susan Fecho’s printmaking and textile art, currently on display in the Small House Gallery, and exciting opportunities like the upcoming Summer Art Camp for young artists.

For more information on Sampson County’s Got Talent or the Sampson Arts Council programs visit www.sampsonarts.net.

Reach Michael B. Hardison at 910-249-4231. Follow us on Twitter at @SamsponInd, like us on Facebook, and check out our Instagram at @thesampsonindependent.