Local Talent Profile

Local Talent: Magic from the heart

Scott Humston uses his magical abilities to connect with people. Scott Humston knew that magic was in the cards for him the moment he stepped through the glass door of a little shop he spotted on the side of the…

Local Talent: Sings like an angel

Popular Villages performer Dawn DiNome eager to take the stage as Sandy in musical ‘Grease.’ Photo: Nicole Hamel No matter the venue, when Dawn DiNome sings, her goal is to provide a delightful experience. “I always try to give my best,” says the soprano singer…

Local Talent: In touch with art

Russell Bellamy creates hands-on sculptures. Photos: Nicole Hamel Leesburg sculptor Russell Bellamy believes many people would be surprised to learn that he was in his third year of college before he discovered art. “I mostly went to college to play…

Local Talent: Dream weaver

Toni Stokes Marshall creates uncommon artwork at her Leesburg studio. Photos: Nicole Hamel Textiles always fascinated Toni Stokes Marshall, but it wasn’t until her retirement from the health-care field that she was able to wrap herself in textiles as an…

Local Talent: Making an impression

Eustis artist Jennifer Harper finds relief in printmaking. While the national economy is taking a hit from COVID-19, artists also are being affected greatly. “This could really redefine people because as an artist, you’re very much, just like everybody else,…

Local Talent: Country with a twist

Lake County singer often takes his talents to Nashville. Country artist Rob Nichols, who started performing professionally when he was about 22, thinks back to growing up and listening to his parents’ Elvis Presley 45s, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and…

Local Talent: Moved by the wind and tides

Made of Earth brings nature’s elements to the stage through its lyrics. When three Lake County musicians were trying to name their band, they looked to their Christian faith and the name “Made of Earth” just flowed. “As Genesis 2:7…

Local Talent: Free spirit

Singer Christina Adinolfi spreads energy through her music. Spirituality plays a part in singer Christina Adinolfi’s performances, and listeners felt that one recent evening as her voice floated from the patio of Magical Meat Boutique to the heavens above Mount…

Local Talent: She’s a natural

Artist Hope Barton features Florida scenery at her Clermont gallery. Florida’s natural beauty is recognized worldwide, so it’s no wonder that an artist would want to capture it. Hope Barton, for example, has a simple motivation behind her artwork. “I…

Local Talent: Talking heads

Ventriloquist Mike Palma brings audiences to life by bringing dummies to life. Ventriloquist and comedy magician Mike Palma got started with magic at a young age and has now been performing for more than 20 years. He got his first…