Showcase of talent seeks to cut crime

By SEAN BARRON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- Before the first pitch was thrown during an All-Star Game event in Pittsburgh, fans in attendance were graced by the powerful voice of 13-year-old Laren Minenok singing the national anthem.
Also treated to Laren's vocal talents were those who took part in or attended Saturday's second annual "Stopping the Violence Community Summer Idol Search" near Wick Park on Youngstown's North Side. After taking the stage, Laren, who also performed in Pittsburgh the weekend before the All Star game, sang "If I Ain't Got You" by R & amp;B singer Alicia Keys.
"I love to be anywhere singing in front of people," she said.
About 15 contestants took part in Saturday's talent show, sponsored by MAyNSTREAM Media and Whole Man Ministries of Youngstown. The two-day event was set up to allow participants to showcase their talents while trying to steer youth toward positive alternatives to violence.
Each contestant got up to 10 minutes to perform while three judges decided the first-, second- and third-place winners. Also part of the festivities were a block party, a car and bike show, a drum and flag line, mimes, dancers and an artists' showcase, which consisted of local R & amp;B, funk, hip-hop and other performers.
Performances
Kicking things off after a rain delay was Candace Campana, 15, of Struthers, who gave the crowd her rendition of "Reflection" and an a cappella version of "Let it Shine." Among Candace's credits are performances with Easy Street Productions as well as singing the National Anthem at a Mahoning Valley Scrappers game and at the former Gund Arena (now called the "Q") in Cleveland.
For several minutes, singing was replaced by intermittent clapping when 21-year-old Brandon Martin of Liberty turned the stage into the focal point for displaying his tap-dancing moves. Martin, who later claimed the first place prize, said he would like to see more positive images of rap music.
He and the second- and third-place winners will go to Atlanta to compete in a Stopping the Violence Idol Search on Sept. 9. As the top winner, he'll receive a round-trip ticket and hotel accommodations.
Other performers included Anita Sklenchar of Youngstown, who was the lead singer of Vegas, a local band. Sklenchar said she hopes her exposure will pave the way for her to receive a recording contract.
Sklenchar said she began singing around age 8 in her church and won several contests in high school. More local shows need to be put on to allow youngsters in the Valley to use their talents, she added.
Motivation
There is no panacea for stopping violence in the city, but bringing people from all over the region together is a great way to reverse certain negative images of the area and demonstrate that people "can come out to Youngstown and have a good time," said Keith Logan, one of the event's coordinators. Logan, also known as "2 Fly," called the city "one of the greatest entertainment centers in the United States," adding that he's grateful for the community support he's received.
Creating opportunities for events that highlight Youngstown in positive ways, and having them coincide with one another, is instrumental in bringing the city back and giving it a more favorable identity, Logan continued.
"A lot of violence occurs from boredom" and it's important to "keep the mind and body busy," added Chris Moss, another coordinator.
Patricia Owens, a rap artist and president of Whole Man Ministries, said she felt that not enough is being done to address the problem of youngsters in the city dying by violence. Events like the Idol search, however, can go a long way toward showing kids the value of having respect for each other and for adults, she added.
"Kids need jobs, self-esteem and to feel like they have a future," said Owens, also known as "DVA."
"One person can't [stop violence]. Everybody has to pull together -- everybody," she said.
The event wraps up today with a block party and various gospel singers and groups.