When: Preliminaries 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; finals 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 2825 Y St.
Information: nebraskasgottalent.com
Yeah, yeah. We know America says it's got talent. But let's see some of that home-bred talent right here.
You can do that at the Kroc Center in South Omaha this weekend.
Eighty acts — from baton twirlers to a ventriloquist — will perform in a talent show at 3 p.m. Saturday. The competition sounds fierce.
In fact, a mother and daughter plan to go head-to-head in different singing routines they've practiced for months now.
Omahan Dacia Jabenis, who has a strong background in opera and theater, will compete against her 12-year-old daughter, Aliyah.
“We're looking forward to it. It's going to be a lot of fun,” she said. “I'm hopeful that Aliyah will win.”
Jabenis has recorded with local composers Karen Sokolof Javitch and Chuck Penington of Mannheim Steamroller.
Aliyah, a Westside Middle School student, started singing about three months ago.
“She was a quiet little one,” Mom said. “Then she started singing in her room.”
Aliyah plans to sing the “Phantom of the Opera” song “Think of Me.” It's her favorite musical.
Mom hopes to master “O mio babbino caro (Oh my dear papa)” from the 1918 opera Gianni Schicchi, by Giacomo Puccini.
Jabenis can't wait to see the other talented acts take the stage.
“It's a great idea,” she said of the competition. “I'm excited to see what everyone else is offering. It's a great way for young people to gain experience.”
The winner gets a package of grand prizes worth more than $1,500, including a 60-day promotional campaign, a professional photo shoot and $500 in cash.
Of note: The Omaha Nighthawks cheerleaders will have their first performance during intermission of the finals.
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