While local area teens will find plenty to explore and experience at Saturday’s Coast Capital Savings TeenFest at Pearkes Recreation Centre, the eclectic entertainment lineup promises to be a highlight of the day.
Running from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 1, the free, one-day exhibition aims to connect teens, tweens and their families with each other, their communities and community leaders.
Included will be more than 100 exhibitor booths, a mobile indoor skate park, fashion and beauty displays and entertainment – lots of entertainment.
Local artists include 16-year-old Stelly’s student Tristan Thompson and Nanaimo hip hop artist Sirreal.
Tristan, a fifth-generation Victorian, started singing at age two – the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ "Californication" and "Other Side" were favourites – before being captivated by the talents of Michael Jackson.
During the summer of 2010, Tristan turned busker, taking his Michael Jackson performance to Victoria streets and since then has performed at events throughout the region, fueling his passion for singing.
Tristan recorded his first album with Chatter Records at 15, has appeared on BT Toronto and YTV and his song "Tidal Wave" is played on more than 60 stations in Canada and around the world.
Sirreal is an original hip hop artist whose fans appreciate his hard-hitting beats and lyrical talents. With a musical style bridging many genres, Sirreal and his live touring stage band Blue Satellite have performed more than 60 shows across B.C. and Alberta, opening for such artists as Tech Nine, B Real of Cypress Hill, Heavy Metal Kings, Bif Naked, Daniel Wesley and others.
Joining the two Island artists will be the Mainland’s Shon Burnett, the 12-year-old top-six finalist from YTV’s The Next Star 7 show; Arium Band, a group of 14- and 15-year-old girls from Surrey who give a wide range of music their own modern twist; and Ria Jade, a 16-year-old singer, songwriter, musician and recording artist in the pop/rock genre.
These experienced performers aren’t the only ones taking the TeenFest stage. In addition to performances by the Victoria Academy of Ballet, Boston Dance and Lil Kilo, the Teen Talent Contest at noon promises to showcase an entertaining array of up-and-coming local talent.
For more information, visit teenfest.ca
What’s on stage:
11:10 a.m. – Victoria Academy of Ballet
11:30 a.m. – Telus Wise, engaging participants in a discussion about Internet and smart phone safety and security.
12 p.m. – Teen Talent Contest
1:30 p.m. – Tristan Thompson
2 p.m. – Boston Dance
2:30 p.m. – Lil Kilo
3 p.m. – Arium
3:30 p.m. – Ria Jade
4 p.m. – Sirreal
4:30 p.m. – Shon Burnett
5:15 p.m. – Announcement of talent show winners