Dancer David Volcy Wins Sanders' "Who's Got Talent?"

It was an opportunity to view the best of the best at the “Who’s Got Talent?” competition hosted by State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village)on Friday evening at MS 72 in Jamaica. There were performances by singers, dancers, musicians and a poet. The show was kicked off by a marching band and featured two special guest comedians as well as an interactive Hip Hop exercise demonstration.

"There are a lot of folk in this community who are blessed with creativity and promise," Sanders said. They deserve a chance to shine, and it is my honor to give them that opportunity."

The winner was David Volcy, 21, of Rochdale Village. His incredible dance moves performed to Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," received a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience. He took home a jacket from Bad Boy Entertainment and a huge gift basket from designer Steve Madden. Second place went to Gloria Williams, also of Rochdale Village, who recited two original poems. She won two bags filled with Avon products.

Video of Volcy’s act can be seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xscax57YpQI

Other contestants were: singer Lucille Fowler, singer/dancer Lynette Brown aka Harlem and musical duo United Fellowship of Souls (UFO).

Some 200 people attended the three-hour event, which was billed as a post-Mother's Day, pre-Father's Day extravaganza. Originally qualifying contestants were to be parents, mothers or fathers, age 21 or older, but that was expanded to include all members of the public due to overwhelming interest in the showcase.

The event’s emcee was comedian Ray DeJon, host of the television shows, Video Music Box and Laffaholics Live. Comedian Jonas Jeannot of Philadelphia was also a special featured guest. Both had the crowd in stitches with their unique brand of humor.

The Elite Marching Band of Queens opened the competition with a 7-minute powerhouse performance. The show also included weight loss expert Trish Van Buren who invited audience members on stage to demonstrate a fitness program she created called HipHotic. Team Sanders’ Chief of Staff Albee Mascall even got into the act, singing an acapella version of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.”

The panel of judges was comprised of community leaders – Larry Love, Ace Frazier an Earl Roberts. Performances were rated on a scale of one to ten, and winners were chosen by who received the highest scores.

"Everyone on this stage tonight is a winner," Sanders said. "It takes a lot of strength and confidence to get up in front of a crowd, especially one as large as this, and showcase your talent." 

We would like to thank our sponsors Arverne by the Sea, Golden Krust, Walgreens, Bad Boy Entertainment and Steve Madden as well as MS 72 for allowing us to use their space to host the event.