Blount’s Got Talent Takes the Capitol Stage Saturday

It ought to come as little surprise to those who call Blount County home that these environs hold a wealth of talent. So credit CASA of the Tennessee Heartland with spotlighting those individuals through an event aptly titled “Blount’s Got Talent,” a community talent show and fundraiser that celebrates local performers while raising money to support CASA’s mission of advocating for children who have been victims of abuse and neglect.

The inaugural event will take place Saturday, August 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Maryville’s Capitol Theatre.

A panel of three judges will evaluate the performances and select one winner as the Blount’s Got Talent Champion. The individual chosen will receive a trophy and a $500 cash prize.

The evening will be hosted by Amber Lynn Carroll, host of WATE 6’s program “Living East Tennessee,” and Elaine Graham, owner of Estate Sale Professionals.

Katherine Allison, Executive Administrator of CASA of the Tennessee Heartland, said the competition was created by the organization’s Fundraising Committee as a new and engaging way to raise awareness and support for its mission. “The committee wanted to create an event that celebrates the incredible talent in our community while raising funds to support CASA’s advocacy for children in Blount County,” Allison explained. “We’re excited to launch what we hope will become an annual community tradition.”

Allison noted that submissions came in from performers throughout the community, and that the Blount’s Got Talent Committee carefully reviewed each one before selecting seven competitors representing a variety of talents. The lineup features singers, musicians, dancers, theatrical performers, and more, which, Allison said, will make for an entertaining program that showcases the creativity and passion found throughout the area.

“Blount County is home to an incredible amount of talent, and we wanted to create a stage where our community could celebrate it,” said Kesha Waters, Executive Director of CASA of the Tennessee Heartland. “From seasoned performers to those sharing their gifts in front of an audience for the first time, we’ve been amazed by the creativity, passion, and courage shown throughout the submission process. Blount’s Got Talent is about more than competition—it’s about bringing our community together to celebrate the people who make this area such a special place to call home while supporting children who need a voice.”

The list of entertainers includes:

• Gary Gilleran, a Blount County-based singer/songwriter, who will perform an original guitar piece titled “World of a 5-Year-Old.”
• Foothills Community Players Group, a local nonprofit theatre company whose mission is to create meaningful and enjoyable theatrical experiences for the entire community. They’ll present a selection from Waitress the Musical, a show that puts the spotlight on the desires and determination of a hardworking serving staff at a small-town diner.
• Kay Nunley, an entertainer who finds satisfaction in getting on stage and sharing a song with special meaning. She’ll sing “Babel” by Mumford & Sons, a selection she chose for its energy and emotion.
• Callie McAllie, owner of Whole Heart Clogging Studio, who brings energy, rhythm, and sparkle to each of her performances. She plans to perform a clogging routine to Ella Langley’s “Be Her.”
• JP Baldwin, an artist whose debut album, Open Your Eyes, spawned several singles that charted nationally on college and Triple A radio. A frequent presence in the Knoxville music scene, he’ll deliver an original song titled “Since You’ve Gone.”
• Dry Run Dulcimer, an instrumental duo consisting of Rick Long and Cindy Steighner. They use mountain dulcimers to express their music, which can be found on their YouTube channel and the Dry Run Dulcimer website.
• Phil & Matthew Helton, a father-and-son duo that has played together for the past three years. They will present a piece titled “Rest for Your Soul,” a song that serves as a gentle reminder to find peace, hope, and encouragement during life’s challenges.

“Guests can expect a fun-filled evening of outstanding local talent, friendly competition, concessions, and opportunities to support CASA throughout the event,” Allison said.

Allison credited several local organizations with helping make the event possible, including Axle Logistics, ORNL Federal Credit Union, and First Horizon (“Center Stage Sponsors”); Village Behavioral Health (“Spotlight Sponsor”); and TN Bank, Herron Connell Insurance, Bella, and Allevia Technology (“Marquee Sponsors”).

“We are incredibly grateful to each of our sponsors for believing in our mission and investing in the children and families we serve,” Waters said. “We’re also grateful for the support of our volunteers, judges, performers, and emcees who are helping make this inaugural event a success. Community partnerships are what make events like this possible.”

“We hope everyone will come out to support both our talented performers and the mission of CASA of the Tennessee Heartland,” Allison added. “Every ticket purchased helps us recruit, train, and support Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers who give children in Blount County a voice.”

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of the Tennessee Heartland recruits, trains, and supports volunteer advocates who speak up for children who have experienced abuse and neglect in Anderson and Blount counties. CASA volunteers provide a consistent voice for children involved in the court system, helping ensure their best interests remain at the center of every decision. Through advocacy, compassion, and community support, CASA works to ensure every child has the opportunity for a safe, permanent, and nurturing future.

General admission tickets are $50 for ages 13 and up and $25 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at casatnh.org

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