Garlic Festival stage set to show off city’s finest
performers
– winner will receive 1,000 gallons of gasoline
By Jessica Levco Special to Dispatch
Gilroy – Could the next Taylor Hicks be discovered at this year’s Gilroy Garlic Festival?
Last year’s hit karaoke tent will be replaced by “Garlic Idol,” a singing competition based on the hit television show, “American Idol.”
“We’re taking the karaoke tent to the next level,” Brian Bowe, executive director of the festival said. “We think this competition will bring out the best in people and give us a lot of audience participation.”
Just like the television show, there will be a prize – but it won’t be a record deal.
The top singer of the three-day festival culminates with a final show-down on the festival’s Gazebo Stage Sunday, July 30, with the crowned idol winning 1,000 gallons of free gasoline.
“Nothing would please me more than to pull up to the winner’s house with a truck full of 1,000 gallons of gas,” Peter Ciccarelli, Garlic Festival marketing and public relations consultant said.
Instead, the winner will most likely be presented with a pre-paid gas card or a gift certificate equivalent to the cost of the gas, Bowe said. If gas remains at $3.19 per gallon, the gift certificate will be $3,319, Bowe said.
But, before singers hit a high note, hopeful Garlic Idols must meet official festival requirements. The competition is open only to solo, amateur singers who have never been paid for their performances aside from amateur competitions. Contestants may sing a cappella, or to a professionally recorded track on a CD they provide.
As far as auditions, future Garlic Idols can call a local radio station and audition, Mix 106.5 KEZR, will open up the airwaves from 5 to 10am beginning Monday and every morning for two weeks, allowing local listeners to call in and sing their favorite tunes. The disc jockeys will select five finalists for the competition.
But don’t fret. Those who miss the on air auditions can sing their tunes July 28 at a stage in the Christmas Hill Park ranch side.
Bowe said the on site auditions give people outside of the Gilroy area – who might not have known about Garlic Idol – a chance.
“We hope to get as many as 50 random attendees to audition for the show,” Bowe said.
Five finalists will be selected that Friday to join the five selected by the radio station. The final competition of 10 contestants will be judged by a panel of four judges, including special guest The Fabulous Bud E. Luv. A panel of three will judge the preliminary rounds.
So, do you think have what it takes to be the next “Gilroy Idol”?
Micki Pirozzoli, president of the Garlic Festival, said the winner will most likely be outgoing and feel comfortable on stage. Being crowned the first “Garlic Idol” gives the winner bragging rights.
“This is something they can put on their resume,” Pirozzoli said. “But I don’t know if Simon Cowell will be impressed.”
“Garlic Idol” is sponsored by Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria.
For more information about Garlic Idol, contact the Garlic Festival Office at 842-1625.
Staff writer Rachelle Gines contributed to this story.
Garlic Festival tickets can be purchased online for first time ever
By Rachelle Gines Staff writer
Gilroy – For the first time it’s 28 years, tickets for the Gilroy Garlic Festival are available for purchase online.
Peter Ciccarelli, Garlic Festival marketing and public relations consultant said 70 tickets have been sold on the Web site since they went on sale Monday.
“That’s 70 more tickets than ever, since it’s the first year we’ve had them online,” Ciccarelli said. “I’m pleased.”
Though no discount is offered, Brian Bowe, executive director of the festival said buying tickets online is still a good idea.
“The advantage is that you when you get to the festival, you have your ticket in hand, and walk into any of the four festival gates instead of waiting in line to buy one,” Bowe said.
Bowe expects 10 percent of this year’s ticket sales to be from the Web site.
“We think online ticket sales will go up next year, once people see how easy and convenient it is,” Bowe said.
Visit the festival Web site at www.gilroygarlicfestival.com and click on the ticket link. Each ticket has a bar code and can be printed straight from a personal home printer and used for admission.
General admission is $12, and $6 for children and seniors. This year’s Garlic Festival runs from July 28 to 30.
Rachelle Gines is an intern attending San Francisco State University. Reach her at 847-7158 or rg****@************ch.com.
