Local Entertainer Looking for his "Big Break" in 10K Singing Competition

Richie Shep performs Christmas standards at a senior center.

With over fifteen years of performing live at local watering holes, weddings, private parties and charity events, entertainer Richie Shep is ready for his long-awaited Big Break.

That’s why he signed on with Big Break Productions to participate in their vocal competition, which has been described as “not so loosely based on American Idol.” Shep sailed through the first two “short” judging rounds where his a cappella renditions of “Danny Boy” and “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” propelled him into the audience elimination rounds. Judging was based on ability, stage presence and style.

Now, after making it through the third round with a well-received version of Michael Buble’s “Feeling Good”, Shep is poised for the fourth round and ready for 80s theme night when he takes the stage to sing U2’s “With or Without You.”

The current competition takes place beginning at 7 pm every Monday night through November 17^th at Durty Nellie’s in Palatine. After starting out with 100 contestants, it’s now down to 30 people until they declare the one singer who will win $10,000.

With 10K on the line, Shep copped to getting nervous before he takes the stage. He said that he was 23^rd out of 35 contestants in the third round. This late time slot left him with too much time to think, and he worried about forgetting his song. One of Big Break’s stipulations is that lyrics are not provided on screen and cannot be read by the contestants.  Despite his nervousness, Shep made the cut and is slotted to sing in the ninth spot at the October 6^th competition.

Shep might have a bit of an edge when it comes to the popular vote. Besides his devoted fan base, he comes from a large family who support him at venues in and around the Chicago area. His 96-year-old mom, Pat, is a popular fixture at many of his gigs and his one-year-old grandson even makes the scene on occasion.

While Shep frequently has many young fans and family members in attendance at his shows, only those over 21 can cast their votes at Durty Nellie’s. You also need to be over 21 to participate in the Big Break competition, which differs from American Idol, which only accepts contestants between the ages of 15 and 29 years old.

The Big Break competitions have also been described as a singer’s summer camp “where lifelong friendships are created and someone walks away with thousands.” Shep is supportive of the other contestants and said that one of the waitresses at his Crazy Pour gigs, whom he encouraged when she performs with him there, is now vying for her “big break” and he said she should go far in the competition. Shep first heard about this event through a friend who plays in several eighties rock bands.

So, if you’ve been hankering for a night of eighties jams from thirty talented entertainers, then head on down to Durty Nellie’s on Monday, October 6^th. The place fills up fast, so get there early!

For more information and details on competition, visit https://bigbreakproductions.com/

Get more details on Richie Shep’s musical offerings at https://www.richieshepentertainer.com/

Durty Nellie’s website:

https://durtynellies.com/