A SUCCESSFUL group that formed after meeting through Talent Trail more than a decade ago will be performing at this year’s final.

Ti Amero was started by people who were taking part in the Mail’s Talent Trail contest in its early days.

The four talented singers will not be competing in the final. They have instead been invited to perform as guests.

Group member Lee Kamen said: “The four of us would not be friends if it wasn’t for Talent Trail. That’s how we met. We entered the competition and would sit and talk after the heats.

“Hull has always been known as talent town.

“Competitions like this are important. With pubs and clubs closing down or not bothering with new talent anymore the Mail’s Talent Trail is the competition to enter.

“It gives people a good footing for a club career or to move on to bigger things.

“It also gives them the chance to play a great venue like Hull City Hall.”

Mr Kamen will be watching carefully on the night, as he knows some of the acts taking part.

He said he has been impressed with the standard of this year’s contest. He said: “Talent Trail just gets better every year.

“I was pleased when the age limit for competitors was lowered to 16, to let some of the younger people come through.

“Some of them are very talented.

“We’re getting more bands and people playing guitars coming through too, which is great.

“It’s really grown from when it first started in the 90s. It was just an experiment then.

“Talent Trail is great for the city and it’s all for charity too, so many people will
benefit.”

Ti Amero, which also features Ric Owen, Martin Jackson and Leroy Vickers, tours the UK and abroad, but they are always pleased to come back to Hull and play for a home crowd.

Mr Kamen said: “The night will be great value for money. People are going to see us and 10 other acts for just £7. Usually people would be paying £15 each to see us alone, so to see 10 other acts as well is great.

“We are really looking forward to it. We don’t often get to play in Hull because of the size of the venues.

“It will be good to be back again in the competition we’ve all been in.

“We’re looking forward to coming back to the Hull crowds as well.

“There is such a buzz playing at City Hall. It will be nice to play at Talent Trail, but without the pressure of the competition or being judged.

“We work a lot in stately homes and stadiums and hopefully we will go on doing a few tours with Joe Longthorne.”

Every heat and semi-final has been covered in the Mail and videos, pictures and coverage of all the acts have been featured on www.talenttrail.co.uk

This year, for the first time, footage of the heats has also been shown on the big screen in Queen Victoria Square, city centre.

Coverage will continue for the final and the website will bring viewers the best performances from the main event.

Ti Amero, Martin Jackson, Lee Kamen, Leroy Vickers and Ric Owen


Jess Bannister, 2007 winner


City Hall

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