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Local Singer Tastes The Bright Lights Of Hollywood

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: May 28, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - "American Idol," move over. New Port Richey singer Chris Stein hopes to create some buzz of his own.

Stein won an online talent contest several weeks ago in his category and jetted out to Hollywood for a long, weekend trip to work with songwriters and other music coaches there.

As a semifinalist in the Big Shot Live online contest, Stein, 19, hopes to land another gig in Hollywood by winning enough votes to advance to final rounds. "Entertainment Tonight" sponsors the Big Shot contest.

"They record you on camera the whole time and bring you to an audition," Stein said, sharing his impressions of the glitz and glamour of Southern California.

Stein worked with veteran music director, arranger and songwriter Jerry Sternbach. "He was really cool," Stein recalled.

Sternbach took the song Stein had written, "Stressed Out," and rearranged some of the lyrics and music. Stein's up-tempo rhythm-and-blues number emerged as a Broadway-style, piano-driven version.

Jennifer Lee Warren, a Broadway actress and singer, was Stein's coach.

"You need to have more stage presence," Warren advised Stein. Feel the song a little more, she added. Hand movements help, Stein learned. And above all, don't close your eyes, Warren said.

After practicing, Stein got a chance to perform at the popular Mark's Restaurant in West Hollywood where Broadway stars and other celebrities often gather.

"I would do that every day of my life," Stein said about his aspirations for a singing career. He's been singing since he was 15 years old and has been bitten by the bug.

"My grandparents are totally behind me 100 percent," Stein said, referring to Ed and Lee Holder of New Port Richey.

Carl Orth can be reached at corth@suncoastnews.com or 727-815-1068.

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