Local Talent

Local Talent: Acting chops

Drama class, performing on stage boosted Alan Hickey’s self-esteem as a teen. Acting is in Alan Hickey’s blood. Performing on stage has been the Ocala mental health counselor’s lifeblood in high school, college, and community theater groups where he has…

Local Talent: Re-purposed

Clermont-based singer/songwriter Patrick Gibson finds new calling through music he hopes will inspire the world. Photos: Douglas Tyler Making music is nothing new for Patrick Gibson, but the heart behind his songs is newly inspired. “I like that God gave…

Local Talent: Coloring their world

Clermont teacher creates personalized chalk drawings to make students feel special. Photos: Nicole Hamel In the early phases of distance learning from COVID-19, teacher Amy Nichols connected with her Pine Ridge Elementary kindergarten students in a fun, artistic way: she…

Local Talent: Living a ‘Wonderful Life’

Nonagenarian Bill Van Riper delights by crooning on stage at venues around The Villages. Bill Van Riper, 91, proudly takes credit for being the oldest singer on stage when he performs at Barb’s Barn Country Music in Oxford, Orange Blossom…

Local Talent: ‘Don’t wanna be no star’

Singer, songwriter, guitarist wants to use his talents to give back to those he is thankful for. Photo: Douglas Tyler Growing up listening to all kinds of music, Braxton Bennett began learning electric guitar at age 10. Now, the 26-year-old…

Local Talent: Jack of all trades

Poet, writer and runner says it’s never too late to start working on your goals. One night, when Carl Scharwath was on a run, he heard voices down the road. He turned his head and was immediately greeted with two…

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: You’ve got star quality

Just like Lana Turner, Leesburg actress gets a big break. Kat Kemmet. Remember the name. She’s local, she’s serious, and she’s on her way. Aspiring actor Kat Kemmet, 28, stands just 5-foot-1 inch and looks the part of a…