TURNSTONE ANNOUNCES EMCEE AND JUDGES FOR CENTER STAGE TALENT SHOW EVENT
FORT WAYNE, IN (June 5, 2024)—Turnstone is excited to welcome emcees, Jessica Williams and Sockie Phommachanh, as well as judges, Christopher Spalding, Nick D’Virgilio, Julia Meek, and Alicia Pyle, to the third annual Center Stage: Fort Wayne’s Premier Talent Show at the Clyde Theatre. These judges will be tasked with choosing the talent act who wins the $5,000 final prize.
Jessica Williams is a TV Host and Producer on CBS WANE 15, where she hosts her daily talk show called "Living Local 15'. In addition, she is an entrepreneur, emcee, speaker, and experienced marketing professional.
Somsack "Sockie" Phommachanh, the 2023 Center Stage grand prize winner, has returned to light up the stage as one of two hosts. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Sockie was only eight months old when his family home caught fire in December 1994. After being told he only had a 2% chance to live, Sockie found Turnstone where he did therapy for seven years. Sockie never let his medical situation stop him from accomplishing his goals. In fact, he used what he worked hard to learn to propel him. Sockie is currently pursuing a degree in occupational therapy and volunteering for the Hoosier Burn Camp based in Indiana. He has been breakdancing for over 12 years and teaches classes at the Promenade Park Pavilion.
Christopher Spalding is an actor and ballroom dancer. Though he started out his successful career in theatre, he later transitioned into ballroom dancing. His leap into the ballroom world led him to meet his wife and dance partner, Kelly Bartlett. Together they won three North American Titles and one World Title. In 2013, they opened their school, The Fort Wayne Ballroom Company, and have continuously won top teacher and top studio awards around the country and internationally. In 2018 he made his return to the theatre world when he founded Summit City Music Theatre, a professional theatre company producing family-friendly musicals and plays in NE Indiana.
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. D’Virgilio was also a founding member of prog-rock giants Spock’s Beard where his 20 years with the band saw 10 studio releases, multiple live DVD’s and many tours of the US and Europe. Since 2007, Nick has been a member of the critically acclaimed band Big Big Train. 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.
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. She also hosts a weekly live show at the Club Room at the Clyde called Friday Night Vibes. Known for her accessible arts & cultural offerings, Julia's list of achievements includes Easter Seals ARC's 26-year Cityscapes series, multiple Mastodons on Parade, Canal Society of Indiana co-founder, Three Rivers Festival Millennial Artist, and Fort Wayne's 1st Female Muralist designation
Alicia Pyle is a local musician who has been sharing music for 20 years. She has performed as a solo artist and in various ensembles including her band, Alicia Pyle & the Locals. Her compositions uniquely blend various genres including classical, jazz, pop/rock, and world music. They have been commissioned for commercial use, conference openers, and most recently, film-scoring opportunities. She released an album of original music with her band in 2015. Her sound and approach are the result of extensive conservatory training, met with the demands of the contemporary music industry.
“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 event,” said Rena Shown, Chief of Development and Strategic Partnerships at Turnstone.
“Center Stage” is a unique talent experience in our community, elevating talent and performing arts for all people with and without disabilities. Turnstone Center believes in a people-first approach to empowerment and celebrating talent-first opportunities.
The show will be held on Thursday, June 13 at the Clyde Theatre. 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).