Waltz-Astoria, located at 23-14 Ditmars Boulevard, crowned Criso Kardia as the winner of its second Ultimate Singer-Songwriter Contest on Sunday, May 16.
During qualifying rounds held from Thursday, May 13 through Saturday, May 15, contestants were selected to take part in the final round, where they were each given 15 minutes to perform. The audience then voted on the winner.
The nine finalists were Patrick Berlinket, Harry George, Kardia, Like Mountains, Blessing Offor, Emily Schiavi, Stephen Stavola, Robinson Treacher and Joe Yoga.
“I’m really proud to have them all here,” Waltz-Astoria co-owner Pedro Gonzalez said of the finalists. He added that he knew the musicians “will make it no matter what.”
As the first place winner, Kardia received a trophy and cash prize. She will also be featured in a future performance at Waltz-Astoria and will be interviewed on the show “Alive with Clive.”
During her time on stage, Kardia said that the energy in the venue was “amazing” and described all of her fellow competitors as being “super talented.”
“Everyone has something to offer,” she said, adding that Waltz-Astoria gives the musicians a chance to “do what we do.”
A second place cash prize was awarded to Mountains, while Yoga received third place honors and a gift certificate to Waltz-Astoria.
At the end of the evening, Gonzalez encouraged everyone to continue to support local musicians, venues and the arts.
Gonzalez also said that Waltz-Astoria will be hosting a comedy contest in a few months and another singer/songwriter contest in about six months. For a complete listing of upcoming events at Waltz-Astoria, visit www.waltz-astoria.com.
