Anticipation mounts as many of Idyllwild’s favorite performers rehearse exhilarating acts in the spirit of funding a full-featured commercial kitchen and deck for the new Idyllwild Community Center this year. Idyllwild’s Got Talent! is back for a second season by popular demand under the expert guidance of talent organizers from the ICC board, Suzy Capparelli, Trish Tuley and Michèle Marsh.

“This mountain is a magnet for creative people,” said Tuley. “Actually, Idyllwild was founded around ISOMATA, Idyllwild School of Music and the Arts, which ultimately became the Idyllwild Arts Academy. Ansel Adams, Pete Seeger, Françoise Gilot, Laura Steer and Meredith Wilson are but a few of the giants who have influenced the arts in Idyllwild in years past,” said Marsh.

“There’s so much talent here, we knew we had to do the show again. Friends contacted friends who live in Idyllwild and this year we have 22 acts, 13 of which are new,” said Capparelli. 

“All last year’s earnings went to the youth center; with the kitchen project being this year’s recipient. Many organizers involved are returning because the event brought many in the community together and we had so much fun celebrating our extraordinary local talent.” she added.

This year’s event needed to be bigger so ICC is hosting three shows; Conor O’Farrell will emcee introductions of musicians, dancers, poets, singers and instrumentalists ranging in age from 13 to 80, in true Idyllwild style. Students from IAA also will be featured, and catering will be provided by Diane Cardinalli & Co.

“The community has generously supported the event by purchasing program advertising, which helps immensely with production costs; all remaining proceeds and ticket sales will go to the kitchen building fund. We expect to break ground on Phase 1A, site-development and the amphitheater soon,” said Tuley.

Shows will stage at the Town Hall on Friday, May 4, and Saturday, May 5, beginning with an hors d’oeuvre reception at 6 p.m. Performances are  from 6:30 to 9 p.m. with a 20-minute intermission. A Sunday matinee, May 6, begins with hors d’oeuvres at 2 p.m., and performances from 2:30 to 5 p.m. with a 20-minute intermission.

Advance tickets will be on sale for $30 outside the post office and in the pharmacy, or purchase at Idyllwildcommunitycenter.org/shop and at the door for $35. Donations for the Community Centre Building Fund can be mailed to P.O. Box 1770, Idyllwild, CA 92549.