12 August 2005

It’s A Family Affair For Pakuranga Idol Finalists

When the young, talented finalists line up this year to compete for the Pakuranga Idol title, ‘keep it in the family’ could be the motto for four of them, who are all from the same family. Taylor, Reba, Travis and Jasmine Ryland have all been chosen on merit to compete for the title at the Pakuranga Youth Centre on Friday 2 September.

For the four Ryland children, from The Gardens, Manurewa singing is in their blood and they have been performing since very young. Reba, who is 10 and the second youngest, absolutely loves singing and performing and wants to be a singing star when she grows up.

Taylor, 9 the youngest member has made her entry into the entertainment world by singing with her older sister Reba in duets; they have won three duet awards together.

Jasmine, 13 the oldest girl, looks to her parents for inspiration and combines her love of singing with playing the guitar and learning the drums, dancing and modelling. She also writes her own songs.

Travis, who is 15 and the oldest also has a wide range of interests including modelling, playing drums, guitar and acting. He says “I have a drive to succeed and am inspired by NZ Idol. I really love acting and recently won the role of Joseph in our school production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. I am really stoked as I can combine my love of singing and acting.

“My sister Jasmine and I have never really been in competition, we like to support each other when we sing; we admire each other and encourage each other and our younger sisters to achieve our best. It is quite amazing that we have all been chosen as finalists. Jasmine and I will be in competition for the first time, as we are both competing in the same section!”

The other finalists are Rachel Grant, 8 years of age, Ashleigh Cordingley, 12, .”Riccardo James,11; Nakita Samuel, 14; Bhauya Dhar, 10; Saikiran Natarajan, 11; Jordan Fono, 12. The rest of the finalists will be chosen on Friday 19 August. There are three sections according to age group.

Pakuranga Youth Centre Centre Manager, Danny Lama says, “This is an exiting opportunity for these young people who have shown they have what it takes. And again this year they are incredibly young - The oldest so far is only 15! Don’t miss the opportunity to see these cool, talented aspiring entertainers competing in the finals on 2 September.

“This is a charitable community event. Entry fee for spectators is $2 for those 19 years and under and $5 for everyone else. Some of the proceeds of this event will be donated to Pakuranga youth working towards The Young New Zealanders’ Challenge (Duke of Edinburgh’s Award)”

For further information about the event, phone the Pakuranga Youth Centre: 576 9739.

Event: Pakuranga Idol Final Venue: Pakuranga Youth Centre Date: Friday 2 September Time: 7.30 – 9pm

ENDS

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