Matt Grabowski, a 19-year old singer-songwriter from Glen Cove, with a sweet and soulful sound, was named the winner of the 4th annual Gold Coast Arts Center ‘Your Big Break” Talent Competition, last Saturday.
Grabowski, a professional musician who performs at bars and restaurants, impressed the contest’s judges with his rendition of The Eagles’ “Take it Easy ” and a composition of his own, “The Fiddler,” which incorporates the image of a fiddler on the roof.
As a tribute to two legendary singer-songwriters who died this year, David Bowie and Glenn Frey of the Eagles, each of the three final contestants who performed had to incorporate a David Bowie song and an Eagles song into their repertoire.
Grabowski, who already has an EP out, is a folk and Indie rock performer with natural, sweet sound as well as an accomplished guitarist.
The Gold Coast Arts Center and Love Revolution Org’s 4th Annual Your Big Break talent competition finals had pared the contestants down to three: Grabowski, Jaclyn Manfredi and the Frankel Sisters, after a succession of showcase performances.
Some 1,500 performers had originally sent in their videos to be considered to enter the competition.
The “Your Big Break” talent competition is designed to give a leg up to Long Island talent whose ranks include Kevin James, Ray Romano, Jerry Seinfeld, Billy Crystal and Mariah Carey, to list but a few.
“There’s something in the water,” said Rich Eberle, one of the organizers of the event. “Your Big Break is aimed at getting these artists to the next level.”
One of the rewards of making it into the finals was that the up-and-coming performers were paired with accomplished mentors to help them hone their performances.
Manfredi was mentored by singer/songwriter Ryan Star, the Frankel sisters were matched with John Hampson of Nine Days and Grabowski was paired with songwriter/producer Ido Zmishlany.
The mentors drew upon their experience as chart-topping singer/songwriters and producers to help their performers use all the tools necessary to craft a well-rounded, quality final performance.
Only one would receive the ultimate privilege of being crowned the “Next Big Thing” to come out of Long Island, along with many other prizes to give a boost to a budding music career.
The Frankel Sisters (accompanied by their dad, Josh, a former wedding-band performer) performed some original songs including “ “Change the World,” dedicated to Rachel Scott, a victim of Columbine who kept a journal. They brought wonderful harmonies and precision style to their rendition of The Eagles “Heartache Tonight.” (See them on Youtube or at frankelsisters.com.)
Manfredi, 16, is a student at St. Anthony High School of Smithtown, and has been singing since she was 7 years old. She has performed at the Apollo Theater. She has an exotic, movie-star/model look (think Ingrid Bergman or a very young Sophia Loren) and has a most engaging, sassy delivery of blues and scat, and offered a wonderful rendition of Etta James’ “At Last.”
The headliners for the evening brought back a heavy metal band, Zofolk, who were finalists in last year’s Your Big Break talent competition.
This year’s prizes include the chance to open up for a national act at The Emporium, recording time at IndiMusic Studios, a feature on Reverbnation.com, musical equipment from All Music Inc. and ZOOM North America, public relations and social media campaigns from Rick Eberle Agency.
The Arts Center is transformed into the Gold Coast Acoustic Café once a month, a live music venue that showcases local up-and-coming talent as well as established music acts.
It is one of the few small music venues around, offering an intimate atmosphere for artists and audience alike.
Previous winners of Your Big Break include Youth Be Told and Katie Zimmer (who joined up in a headlining performance at the March 12 semifinals), round two headliner Annika Finalists SEE and Zofolk have gone on to work with major producers, managers and agents.
The Gold Coast Arts Center and Love Revolution Org’s Gold Coast Acoustic Cafe at 113 Middle Neck Road. For more information call 516-829-2570 or visit www.greatneckarts.org.
