Contestants prepare for talent show Published Sept. 25, 2009 By Megan Just 452nd AMW Public Affairs MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- The 3rd Annual March ARB Talent Show is set to begin Saturday at 5 p.m. in the Cultural Resource Center. There will be 15 individual and group acts competing for the first place honor, which will be determined by votes from the audience. "I'm sure everyone will be pleasantly surprised with the variety of talent performing in this year's show," said Tech. Sgt. Renita Turner, who created the show in 2007 and has coordinated it ever since. The acts this year will include singers, guitarists, comedians, martial artists, dancing, and a band. The talent show is modeled after the hit television show, "American Idol." Like the TV version, "March Idol" will have a host (Master Sgt. Cedric Perry) and three judges (Chief Master Sgt. Agustin Huerta, Senior Master Sgt. Ionne Barnes-Joshua, and Marvin Tucker). Last year, tickets to "March Idol" were $10. This year, there is no cost to attend. "With the economy problems and high unemployment, I decided this year's March Idol talent show would be free to the public," Sergeant Turner said. "This is our version of a stimulus package." With "March Idol" starting just as the food and fun at the Military Appreciation Picnic ends, Sergeant Turner says that March Idol is a great way to extend the excitement of the day. She recommends arriving early as the cultural center has limited seating. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the show starts at 5 p.m. Not pictured BAND Senior Master Sgt. Esteban Rodriguez Lt. Col. Mark Blount Lt. Col. Jeffrey Minton Lt. Col. Peter Vanderhyden Lt. Col. Jason Ausdemore Capt. Ryan Van Scotter MARTIAL ARTS Tech. Sgt. Darryl Willingham Staff Sgt. Al Dupont Senior Airman Zakia Webster DANCE Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Yoon SINGER Chris Peters