Entertainers of all ages in West Hempstead

Performers of all ages showed off their talents in front of family and friends at Hall’s Pond Park on Sunday in the West Hempstead Community Support Association’s inaugural "West Hempstead’s Got Talent.” Roughly 100 residents gathered around the park’s gazebo to watch a variety of acts that included singers, comedians and musicians competing for bragging rights and a gift basket from NEFCU, with a $50 American Express card.

“I was really surprised about the turnout and the reception from the audience,” said Aisha Crumpton, a WHCSA board member. “Everyone seemed to love it, and the talent just blew me away, especially the little kids.”

All the performers were either West Hempstead residents or had local ties to the area, since the association wanted to promote community pride. West Hempstead resident Charles Cheeks — a delivery driver for a local kitchen store — won with his cover of “Call My Name,” by Prince. Cheeks, who grew up singing in his local church choir, admitted that he was nervous, but he enjoyed the experience.

“It’s always great to come out for the community and do things to help the school and to help kids in the neighborhood, because that’s what it’s all about,” Cheeks said. “It’s all about giving back to the youth, and I’m happy to be a part of this.” He plans to return next year — but as a spectator, because he wanted to retire on top, he joked.

The event was a year in the planning, according to Crumpton and board member Zehava Schechter. They saw a talent show as a way to generate interest in community events and causes.

“I’m hoping that people see and recognize the hard work that we put into getting these things together,” Crumpton said. “We just hope they will continue to come out, support us, join the group and spread the word about our enjoyable programs.”

“The best part of the evening was seeing so many young people and their families coming out, performing and rooting each other on,” said Schechter, who emceed the show. “The positivity, the encouragement and the celebration was just really great to see.”

Eitan Kantor, owner and manager of Hyperstudio Recording in West Hempstead, was one of the judges for the event. He said that the show provided a great opportunity for first-time performers.

“There’s no substitution for experience,” Kantor said. “Performing in front of a big audience is great experience for any performer and hopefully from now on they will get more confident and better.”

Schechter also said that she hopes next year’s talent show will be bigger and better. “I think it’ll be hard to top based on the performers that we had tonight,” she said.

Everyone went home a winner, with each contestant receiving a gift certificate. Local businesses donated the prizes.