BCEC puts on 5th Guitar Idol

Seven contestants, three rounds and one winner were the themes of Sunday’s Hoosier Guitar Idol. The competition was created by the Business Careers in Entertainment Club and began at 6 p.m. at Max’s Place.

This year’s Guitar Idol was Bloomington’s fifth Guitar Idol competition. Planning for the event began in September, and the event is one of four events BCEC has planned for the semester.

“On Sundays, everyone is winding down, and it’s a good chance to enjoy good food and good music,” said Stephanie Navarro, senior and co-director of BCEC music committee.

The event is the only one BCEC has planned in which the proceeds go back into the club; all other event proceeds will go toward selected charities.

The seven contestants were judged on style, originality, performance and knowledge of music by three judges for each round.

In the first round, the audience could also purchase tickets and vote.

Adam Cantor, last year’s Hoosier Guitar Idol winner, was one of this year’s judges.
“I’m looking for creativity and for someone that declares their own sound,” Cantor said. “They should stay true to their own style and have fun up there.”

The first round was a three-minute freestyle round with no band accompaniment, the second a performance with accompaniment from a band, and the third an all-out five-minute freestyle round, with or without a band.

Styles ranged from blues to classic rock, with each contestant performing something different.

Senior Patrick Vollmer, a Jimmy Page and David Gilmour fan, was one of the night’s contestants as well as a former Hoosier Guitar Idol contestant.

“This is my third time competing in this competition,” Vollmer said. “I doubt I’ll win, but it’s really fun to do. It’s a cool idea, and I’m glad they’re putting it on.”

After three rounds, the judges declared grad student Austin Johnson the night’s winner. Johnson received $100 in addition to other prizes.

For those interested in competing in future Hoosier Guitar Idol performances, and for those that just like to play guitar, Cantor offered some advice.

“You don’t always necessarily have to work at it, don’t just practice scales,” he said. “Don’t be shy, and share your music with your friends or online. Don’t just keep it to
yourself.”