Turnstone Announces Emcee And Judges For Center Stage Talent Show Event
FORT WAYNE, IN (May 3, 2022)—Turnstone is excited to welcome emcees, Linda Jackson and Julian Teekaram, as well as judges, Nick D’Virgilio, Julia Meek, and Lydia Suzan Tremaine, at the inaugural “Center Stage: Fort Wayne’s Premier Talent Show.” These judges will be tasked with choosing the talent act who wins the $1000 finale prize.
Linda Jackson co-anchors the Fort Wayne’s NBC evening newscasts at 5pm, 6pm and 11pm. Her experience and passion for broadcast journalism has translated into multiple awards and success throughout her career. Another fun fact about Linda is that she grew up performing in the Peru Amateur Circus as a trapeze flyer.
Julian Teekaram is an Emmy-nominated anchor and reporter. She co-anchors Fort Wayne's NBC News at 5pm, 6pm and 11pm. Julian plays an active role in the community, often spending her time and lending her voice to different causes and organizations.
Nick D’Virgilio has an extensive background in music and entertainment. He has played drums for bands such as Tears for Fears, Genesis, Peter Gabriel, Kevin Gilbert, Frost, and many more. Today, Nick works with Sweetwater as an "in-house" drummer, vocalist, producer, and engineer in Sweetwater's world-class recording studios as well as being one of the main web content providers. In June 2020, Nick released his third solo record - INVISIBLE.
A Fort Wayne native, Julia Meek is a radio host, graphic artist, and community volunteer, who has contributed to NIPR both on- and off-air for forty years. Besides being WBOI's arts & culture reporter, she currently co-producers and hosts Folktales and Meet the Music.
Lydia Suzan Tremaine is familiar with the spotlight thanks to her experience with pageant competitions. She won Miss Indiana in 2018. She has a passion for music and strives to keep the arts alive to help others find their voices and confidence.
“We are thrilled to have all of these seasoned local stars join us for the show! I know they will bring great energy and the expertise necessary to host a great show,” said Rena Shown, Chief of Development and Strategic Partnerships at Turnstone.
“Center Stage” is a first-of-its-kind talent experience in our community, elevating talent and performing arts for all people with and without disabilities. In its inaugural year, “Center Stage: Fort Wayne’s Premier Talent Show” presented by Sweetwater at the Clyde Theatre, will feature the local performing artists mentioned above. Turnstone Center believes in a people-first approach to empowerment and celebrating talent-first opportunities.
The show will be held on Thursday, May 12. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online, over the phone via 260-483-2100, or in person at Turnstone’s Plassman Athletic Center (3320 N. Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana).