Oakland talent show performers, volunteers and staff.

The Bay Area All Stars Talent Show Network's (ASTSN) ninth talent show series got underway on Saturday, March 11 at McClymonds High School in Oakland. Volunteers spent several weeks pre-registering acts at busy street corners, fairs, community centers and schools throughout Oakland, and 74 performers representing 31 acts performed before an audience of over a hundred friends, family, volunteers and staff. This is the first series to take place at McClymonds. The ASTSN performance workshop was held March 25 and the talent show on April 8 — all at McClymonds.

BACIC's second annual spring benefit dinner for the Bay Area All Stars, "Phat Friends off the Hizzle," will be held May 3 in Oakland. A youth selection committee is reviewing nominations submitted by Bay Area young people of adults who have made a difference in their lives. The finalists will receive a Phat Friend award at the event. To purchase a ticket or table, contact Marge Golden at 415-986-2502.

The Bay Area Center for Independent Culture (BACIC), an independently funded San Francisco/Bay Area non-profit, produces the All Stars Talent Show Network youth development program. For more information on future events, to donate, or to get involved, please call 415-986-2565 or visit BACIC's website.