12th Celebration Of The Arts Held In Howard County 4/25

The Howard County Arts Council, in its 28th year of service to the public of Howard County , presents the 12th Annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Jim Rouse Theatre, Wilde Lake High School , Columbia . The emcee for the event is Richard Story, Chief Executive Officer of the Howard County Economic Development Authority.

The Celebration is a multi-faceted signature event, showcasing and promoting the arts and raising funds in support of the arts, artists and arts organizations in Howard County . Nine finalists will compete for a cash prize $5,000 in the 2009 Rising Star Emerging Performing Artist Awards, a highlight of the gala event. In January, performing artists aged 18 to 35 years, currently or recently living, working, performing regularly, or receiving training in Howard County, auditioned before a panel of professionals working in their field of discipline. Review criteria included artistic merit, demonstrated experience in the arts, and commitment to a career in the arts.

The audience of artists, arts patrons, business and political representatives and community members will select by popular vote, one winner to receive an award of $5,000. The winners is announced and presented with the award at the event.

The nine finalists performing at the Celebration are: Curtis Bannister (Musical Theatre), Heather Marie Beck (Musical Theatre), Lauren Dutterer, (Musical Theatre), Steven J. Eddy, (Opera), Jillian Finnamore (Opera), Kassi Mattera (Modern Dance), Cameron McNary (Monologue), Michael Watts (Cello), and DeWanda Wise (Monologue).

Curtis Bannister, Musical Theatre
With a repertoire that ranges from standard opera and operetta roles, to demanding roles in the musical theatre genre, Curtis Bannister has been praised for his passionate vocal artistry and captivating dramatic interpretations. Mr. Bannister attended Wilde Lake High School and studied music under the direction of Sandra Adkins. He is now a candidate for the Graduate Performance Diploma in Opera at the Peabody Conservatory of Music. Past performances have taken him across the United States , Austria , Germany and France . With this award, Curtis will continue his vocal studies in opera and classical voice.

Heather Marie Beck, Musical Theatre
Heather Marie Beck has been living and performing in Howard County since 1990. Many performances with "The Becks" as a youngster prompted her to pursue her passion for musical theatre. Her success so far has been the result of her family's love and support throughout the years. During the day she works for Howard County Public Schools as a Sign Language Interpreter and at night she works for Toby's Dinner Theatre in Columbia and Baltimore . "Communication through language, be it spoken, signed, danced or sung is what makes us all so unique and so lucky. May we find our best and favorite ways to express ourselves!"

Tickets to the 12th Annual Celebration of the Arts in Howard County are available online at www.hocoarts.org or by phone to the Howard County Arts Council, 410-313-2787.