Seeking a ‘diamond in the rough’

Published 10:18 am Thursday, June 10, 2010

Think you’ve got what it takes to be a rock star? Whether you sing in the shower, along with the radio or in a band, an Ironton music store may have just the thing to help you prove it.

Rick Pollard and his Colorado-based mobile recording studio My Song Trax Entertainment is hosting the Dare to Dream Talent Search at Anders River Cities Music Center in Ironton.

“What we’re looking for is a diamond in the rough,” Pollard said. “Kind of like Taylor Swift when she was first discovered.”

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To enter the contest, musicians can pay $15 to record a song with Pollard. Any type of music is acceptable. Ten finalists will be chosen for a live show to be held in Ironton in August or September.

The grand prize is a recording contract, photo shoot and a CD cover.

This is the second year that Pollard has had a talent search like this one. Last year, in Findlay 72,000 contestants, both local and from surrounding states, participated in the contest.

“If you look at these big stars, they’re all from small towns,” Pollard said. “That’s what I’m looking for.”

Pollard has been in the music business 36 years. He started as a part of the band, Kentucky Straight, and has since worked with musicians Billy Ray Cyrus, Taylor Swift, John Michael Montgomery and American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox. He also plays in the band Boom Towne.

Proceeds from the live show will benefit a breast cancer-related cause.

Storeowner and music manger Bob Anders said the area has plenty of musical talent.

“I know the talent’s here,” Anders said. “There’s no avenue. Everybody’s stuck on a spinning wheel and finally it’s time to jump off that spinning wheel and they’ve got the avenue.”

Not only country musicians, the area also has rock and roll bands.

‘The rock here is unbelievable,” Anders said. “Our rock and roll around here is just out of control.”

Pollard plans to be at the music store daily until July 10 before moving on to Ashland and Huntington. Anders River Cities Music Center, located at 101 N Fourth St., is open Monday through Saturday noon to 6 p.m. Anders requests that those interested in the contest come to the store rather than call.