Betting on the Future
Las Vegas has a reputation as a place for musicians to find regular work, but it hasn't always served as a good training ground for budding young singers such as Jennifer Daquila.
She started vocal lessons at age 10, but had no real way, aside from occasional competitions, to hone her performing skills.
Until Bootlegger's Future Stars series. The monthly showcase at the Italian bistro gives singers, ages 8 to 20, a chance to perform in front of an audience, gaining skills that will make them better live performers.
At 19, Daquila is already a seasoned entertainer.
"I think I've learned stage presence, how to get a crowd going and keep them entertained and happy," says Daquila, who joined the Future Stars series three years ago. "It's a great venue to get your stage skills and get comfortable with singing in front of an audience."
The showcase started almost four years ago, when local music teachers Steve and Delly Fortgang approached the Bootlegger Bistro's entertainment director. The Fortgangs thought the Bootlegger would be the ideal venue for a young star series, because owner Lorraine Hunt-Bono, former lieutenant governor and local entertainer, has a reputation for promoting new talent.
"Bootlegger has a nice reputation for featuring entertainers," says Steve Fortgang, who works as a music specialist in the Clark County School District.
The couple came up with the idea as a way to help their students. In addition to being a substitute music teacher, Delly Fortgang gives vocal lessons, too. They run across some talented kids in their work.
"To me, music is performing and there's not a whole lot of places young entertainers can go out and perform," Steve Fortgang says. "We have a lot of talented kids in the valley and we're giving them an outlet to perform."
The series has become an opportunity for entertainment professionals to scout for talent, too. Several of the Future Stars participants have landed professional gigs through their exposure at the showcase.
Tifannie LeMay, 11, was invited to perform at the Black Entertainment Television awards recently, Steve Fortgang says. His son, Barry, along with Daquila and another Future Stars member, formed a trio and have performed at Turnberry Place and the Suncoast.
While most of the 35 kids in the program have taken vocal lessons with Delly Fortgang, anyone can join the series, Steve Fortgang says. There is no cost. Performances are on one Sunday each month, from 1 to 2:15 p.m. Ten kids perform each time. They get a free lunch and the Fortgangs pass around a tip jar so the performers can earn a few dollars, he says.
Those interested in the Future Stars series should call the Fortgangs at 263-9594 or e-mail showbizkidz@century link.net.
Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@review journal.com or 702-380-4564.
