The Smile Makers (Eric Donaldson & Nicole Sutka)
Hometown: Holden, MA

How did you get interested in music in the first place?
Eric: “I wanted Yo-Yo Ma play cello on the Sesame Street when I was five years old and I loved the sound. At first my parents were hesitant to let me play cello, but after several months of begging my mother signed me up for lessons and I’ve been playing music ever since.”
Nicole: “Both of my parents were musicians. They gave me a recorder when I was four years old and that’s when I started reading music.”

Who would you say has most inspired you?
“The most inspiring artists for us are the ones that are clearly original and true to themselves by creating new music throughout their lives, like Tom Waits, Paul Simon or David Bowie. There is a certain level of sustained creativity and ability to evolve but remain undeniably individual that is awe-inspring.”

What differentiates you from other musicians?
“We are different from other musicians partly because we focus on writing our own music and not performing music written by other artists. Among original artists, our instrumentation sets us apart as well as our use of vocal harmonies, unconventional song structures, and the variety of musical genres we pull references from. Our collaboration as artists is the truly defining factor of our music.”

How do you feel about being on Community Auditions?
“We are extremely excited and grateful to have a chance to share our music on a televised broadcast! This program is a great outlet for a wide spectrum of local talent, and we’re very grateful to be included.”

What song do you plan on performing and why did you choose that song?
“We chose our original song ‘Stuck at the Tracks.’ The song is one of our favorites to perform because it defines our ‘less is more’ philosophy. It represents us both as vocalists and speaks to our current position as artists. The song is about building momentum and overcoming adversity by conjuring an unstoppable emotional drive.”

What do you like best about your hometown?
Nicole: “Holden has been my stomping place for the last four years. I am proud and excited to be a part of their school community with my daughter, Nakia.”
Eric: “I love the rivers and trout brooks here in Holden. They are some of the most beautiful waters in New England and they’re within walking distance of our house.”

Barbara Andrews
Hometown: Nashua, NH

How did you get interested in music in the first place?
“When I was very young, my mother used to be a soprano singer for the Detroit Symphony. I loved listening to her sing. I would go to her vocal classes with her. Eventually I developed a perfect pitch and fell in love with singing.”

How long have you been performing?
“I have been performing since I was in high school – 30 years.”

Where have you performed?
“In 1980, I played a lead roll in ‘The Sound of Music’ with my mother in Big Rapids, Michigan for a local theater. I have performed for ‘The Donny and Marie Osmond Show’ back in 2000 (not a contract, I was asked to entertain the audience before the show). I sang at ‘The Green Room’ on Hollywood Blvd in L.A. I am also a wedding singer and a backup singer for two well known bands in New Hampshire.”

What kinds of music do you enjoy best? Any favorite performers or favorite songs?
“I enjoy alternative, pop, classic rock, and new age music. My favorite performers are Alanis Morrisette, Dolores from the Cranberries, Sarah Brightman, and Madonna. I like them because of their unique style. And because of my wide range of vocals, I can sing most of their music.”

Why do you deserve to be the next ‘Star of the Day’?
“Because I have been like a shooting star for too long – I keep missing and I’m ready to be the star now. Even if it’s for a day. New England doesn’t know what it is missing.”

What would you like to be doing five years from now?
“Finally have my music out there so that the world can hear my amazing songs.”

Natalie Turgeon Band (Christopher Shrader, Natalie Turgeon, John Cunningham, Justin Need, & Daniel Latimer)
Hometown: Concord, NH

How did you get interested in music in the first place?
Answered by Natalie Turgeon:
“When I heard my older sister practicing piano, I sat down and copied what I heard. I then began 12 years of piano lessons. Singing, however, is what I love to do.”

What differentiates you from other musicians?
Answered by Christopher Shrader:
“We are all genuinely good people and good role models. We are the people you can count on and we all appreciate each other’s friendship.”

How would you describe your musical style?
Answered by Natalie Turgeon
“Our first single as a band was written for the RAM Trucks Battle of the Bands. It was about having fun and staying true to yourself. We called it ‘Country-ish,’ which pretty much describes our style.”

How do you feel about being on Community Auditions?
Answered by Christopher Shrader:
“It’s an incredible opportunity! We are very excited and can’t wait to play for these top-notch judges at this incredible venue!”

Tell us something about interesting about yourself.
Answered by Christopher Shrader:
“One of your judges, Charlie Farren, is my all-time favorite performer. I have literally seen him perform hundreds of times over the past 20+ years! I would love the opportunity to meet him and maybe get a picture with him. My passion for playing music has been driven by his bands and live shows. Thank you Charlie!”

Why do you deserve to be the next ‘Star of the Day’?
Answered by Daniel Latimer:
“Natalie works hard at her craft and pushes the band to strive for greatness, all while being humble about her talent.”

Krystie Seese
Hometown: Milford, CT

How did you get interested in music in the first place?
“I have been performing since I was nine years old and have been hooked ever since!”

As a performer, what makes you stand out?
“I love to incorporate American Sign Language while I sing. I feel it adds a little something special.”

What kinds of music do you enjoy best?
“I love broadway and pop music!”

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment so far?
“My greatest accomplishment so far has been graduating high school at the age of 16 and I will be graduating college at the age of 20.”

What do you like best about your hometown?
“I love my town’s greenery. There are cute shops and it looks like such a New England town. It’s so pretty in the winter when it snows!”

What would you like to be doing five years from now?
“Hopefully, I will be an elementary school teacher with a class of my own.”