Jackie Evancho Visits Kean Quest Finals

Evancho will present self-titled award and serve as guest judge on April 5

GIBSONIA, Pa., March 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- International singing sensation Jackie Evancho stepped onto the Kean Theatre stage in 2008 and 2009 to compete in the local singing competition Kean Quest Talent Search, before winning the hearts of millions in 2010 as the first-runner-up on "America's Got Talent." Now, the twelve-year-old's resume includes platinum records and sold-out concerts. Evancho will return to the same stage where she gave her first ever public performance to present the third annual "Jackie Evancho Award," named in her honor, during the Kean Quest Talent Search Youth Finals at 7 p.m. on April 5 at the Kean Theatre, 5847 Meridian Road, Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. The "Jackie Evancho Award" is presented to a contestant that, like Jackie, has competed in Kean Quest for two or more years, works hard, never gives up and continues to follow his or her dreams no matter the outcome of the competition. Evancho will also serve as a guest judge during the Kean Quest Youth Finals.

The 2013 Kean Quest Talent Search began its 10^th season on Jan. 27 and concludes with the highly anticipated Youth Finals. The Kean Quest title and Grand Prize of a recording session in a Grammy Award-winning studio, donated by Audible Images, is awarded to Judges' and Audience Choice winners in two age categories; ages 18 and under and ages 19 and above. Contestants in the youth competition range in age from seven to eighteen years old. Advancing onto the finals from a series of preliminary rounds are 27 contestants chosen during two semi-final competitions held on March 17, 2013. The Kean Quest Adult Competition was held on March 1, 2013. Overall, 144 up-and-coming vocalists from western Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas competed in the 2013 competition.

Kean Quest Talent Search is a fundraising competition that benefits the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, which in 2012 alone provided nearly $4.5 million to poor and low-income residents at St. Barnabas Nursing Home, Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas and The Arbors at St Barnabas who otherwise would not be able to afford their care. Northern Connection Magazine is the Signature sponsor of Kean Quest Talent Search. A limited number of tickets are available to the Kean Quest youth finals by calling 724-444-KEAN (5326). Media inquiries should contact Megan Hoffman at 724-444-5530 or [email protected].

The Kean Theatre is open to the public and has built a reputation for its convenient location, free parking, quality entertainment and elegant setting.  The theatre is operated by St. Barnabas Charities, the fund-raising arm of St. Barnabas Health System.  St. Barnabas Health System includes St. Barnabas Nursing Home, Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas, The Arbors at St. Barnabas, The Village at St. Barnabas, The Woodlands at St. Barnabas, White Tail Ridge, The Washington Place at St. Barnabas, St. Barnabas Medical Center and Rudolph Auto Repair.

Contacts: Marybeth Jeffries, Marketing Director, 724-444-5570; [email protected]

Megan Hoffman, Marketing Communications Coordinator, 724-444-5530; [email protected]

SOURCE St. Barnabas Health System