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Our LOL-Filled Chat with REMIX ROUND WINNER Eva Diva
- Posted by Amateur Night
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- 06/12/2013
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Eva “Diva” Andersen has performed twice in the current season of Amateur Night at the Apollo. She recently competed in the online segment of the show, the Remix Round, and won a chance to compete again in the Show Off round of competition. She returns for redemption tonight, June 12, and took a moment to chat about her musical life with Digital Correspondent Kersten Stevens:
Kersten: The last two times you’ve stepped onto the Apollo Theater stage you’ve worn an amazing gold glitter dress… what will you wear tonight?
Eva: OMG! I actually went online and found an amazing, floor length red dress, covered in sparkles. It has a slit up the leg, too! I just thought - I’ve performed at the Apollo twice, I’ve won my way back onto the stage - its time to go big or go home, you know? And honestly, there’s a 5 year old girl inside of me who's excited that I have a reason to wear a dress like this!
Kersten: Nuff said! I absolutely understand! Is the dress part of your strategy going into tonight’s performance or is it just for fun?
Eva: Actually, I was chatting with my friend about the same thing. I asked her, “If I wear this dress, what would be your impression of me as a performer?” She answered, “I would think you were either really really good or really really bad.” We laughed about that, but in all reality, that means that when I walk on stage tonight, I have to kill it… or I have to kill it!! Those are my only two options.
Kersten: It is certainly an accomplishment to have won a chance for redemption in Amateur Night. What was your strategy for winning the Remix Round?
Eva: At first, I was really down in my spirits about not placing in the Show Off round. Two days after the show, I was talking to my dad when I was like, wait a minute… Why the heck couldn’t I just squeeze out one more week of energy, just one more week of intensity and see where I end up?
Kersten: Intensity to prepare for your performance… and intensity to compete in the remix round?
Eva: Yes, absolutely. I put a lot of energy into preparing for my first Amateur Night performance, and the Remix Round was a lot of work as well. I am lucky to have a really great online fanbase. I spent at least an hour on it every day, sending emails, Facebook messages and tweets. It was quite a job.
Kersten: Did you do anything unique to get the word out?
Eva: Actually, I called the radio station where I used to intern back in Iowa, wz122.9 kzia.com, and they announced my Remix Round campaign over the air! It was really great for them to do that for me. I learned that the people you love are happy for you, and are happy to help you out and share their love. And as a result.. I won the Remix Round!
Kersten: It certainly takes a village! What do you do when you aren’t wearing glittery dresses and playing your sax?
Eva: Well, just last week, I premiered My Sax Life is All Focked Up, a sketch comedy about my musical life living in a nunnery.
Kersten: Pause… You live in a nunnery?
Eva: (Laughs out loud). Yes! l live in a nunnery. The rent is great, I don’t have to see the nuns and I don’t have to be overly religious. I pay my rent by being musical… and...in fact... I’m in the practice room right now, and someone wants to say hello! (She begins playing a few notes from her saxophone, and it makes us both laugh). I just love being a character on stage and I love the saxophone.
Kersten: Your efforts have certainly earned you a spot on the stage tonight, and we wish you all the best!
Eva: Aww, thanks so much! I am so excited!
Amateur Night Stars in the News!
- Posted by Amateur Night
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- 05/20/2013
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Since its inception in 1934, Amateur Night at the Apollo has discovered new and emerging talent. The legacy continues to this day. Check out the recent accomplishments of some of our Child Stars of Tomorrow champions:
Child Star Matthew Whitaker is a force to be reckoned with! He is an incredible B3 organist and composer who won Amateur Night in 2010. This Friday, he will perform alongside Elvis Costello, Macy Gray, Sharon Jones and Jon Batiste at the Jazz Foundation Gala at the Apollo Theater.
Lianah Sta. Ana, who won Super Top Dog in 2010 and competed in Amateur Night Goes to London, was chosen for a second year in a row to perform the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden at the NY Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers game on May 5th.
Austin Paul Jr. is an incredible saxophonist. He most recently performed in the Amateur Night Holiday Special this past December. Congratulations are in order! He was accepted to Florida A & M University on a full scholarship and will start classes in the August 2013.
We are very proud of the success of our Amateur Night Child Stars!
One Amazing Show Off!
- Posted by Amateur Night
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- 05/08/2013
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Last week, previous Amateur Night winners returned to the Apollo Theater to compete in the semi-final Show Off competition. The show was electric! The Childstars of Tomorrow segment featured a talented roster, and was won by the lovely vocalist Ms. Danna Gelfand.
The Adult competition was fierce as well! One contestant, gospel vocalist Nob, was executed from the competition. The winners won in a very tight race: First Place went to Violin/Beat-boxing duo Viobox, Second Place went to vocalist Rodney Talley, and Third Place went to R&B crooners Phaze 3. They will return to compete on June 19th.
To top it all off, jazz artist Jonathan Batiste gave a soul-stirring performance in coordination with the Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival. He then hung out backstage with the Amateur Night Digital team for an exclusive interview.
The remaining contenders are currently competing in the Remix Round, for a chance to return to the Amateur Night Competition. Vote Now!
Amateur Night Contestant Lands a Spot on NBC's The Voice!
- Posted by Amateur Night
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- 04/16/2013
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In the 78th season premier of Amateur Night at the Apollo, a powerful, latina singer from the Bronx took to the stage and belted out Alicia Keys’ “Fallin.” The audience’s enthusiastic approval landed her in first place and carried her through the Show Off and Top Dog levels of competition! That contestant’s name was Cathía (formerly known as Catherine Ochoa) and you can see her compete on NBC’s hit show The Voice on Team Shakira. http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/artists/cathia/
Cathía’s appearance on Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater was one of her first major public performances and we are excited to say we knew her when! To watch video of her entire story - from a candid street performance to backstage moments, click here >>> http://amateurnight.org/contestants/catherine-ochoa
Opening Night 2013!
- Posted by Amateur Night
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- 01/15/2013
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Amateur Night at the Apollo opens its 2013 season with special guest artist Ruben Studdard and a brand new line-up of contestants who compete for the winning title of SuperTop Dog and the chance to win a cash prize of $10,000!
Aspiring musicians, singers, dancers, comedians, rappers and spoken word artists try their best to please the audiences that can make them an Apollo legend. Then get ready to cheer or jeer as you decide who stays and who gets booted off stage. At Amateur Night, you tell the performers to be good or be gone!
Amateur Night at the Apollo is hosted by the comedian Capone. Each show begins with a festive pre-party featuring video and music by DJ Jess. And keep a lookout for master impressionist C.P. Lacey, the resident Executioner who sweeps bad talent off the stage.
Tickets: $20, $26, $32
In person at the Apollo Theater Box Office
By phone call Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000
Online at www.ticketmaster.com
Groups of 10 or more: $18 $23 $28
