Who is the next 'Big Shot'? Event showcases local talent

Want to see Virginia's next stars before they blow up?

You'll have a chance this weekend, when recording industry veterans Tony Brown and George "JR" Mayers present the Virginia Big Shot Talent Showcase.

"All the major stars from Hampton Roads got their start through a talent showcase," said Brown, referring to the talent shows once hosted by producer Teddy Riley. In his early-1990s musical heyday, Riley lived in Virginia Beach and worked with an array of artists including Michael Jackson. He also hosted talent shows - one of which "discovered" now-famous producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo.

Brown watched all this firsthand when he interned with Riley while attending Norfolk State University. When he graduated in 1994, he began working for Riley full time.

For this show, Brown and his partner Mayers - who did some of the engineering and mixing work on Michael Jackson's last studio album, "Invincible," in Virginia Beach and Los Angeles - plucked contestants from Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Richmond, Roanoke and Alexandria. A field of more than 500 acts was narrowed down to 25, and on Saturday these contestants - performing rap, gospel, R&B and rock - will compete for a $2,500 cash prize and a recording contract.

Brown, who worked as an A&R person (something like a professional talent scout) for Riley, said labels including Island Def Jam have expressed interest in the event.

The show, at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach, will include a four-song tribute to Michael Jackson put together by Mayers.

Malcolm Venable, (757) 446-2662, malcolm.venable@pilotonline.com