The South Coast's premiere teen vocal contest, the 2007 Bay Area Teen Idol competition, will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Egyptian Theatre in downtown Coos Bay. The contest will continue on Thursday evenings through the summer.

Sixteen contestants will perform on a weekly basis, facing elimination by judges' decision. Since Bay Area Teen Idol began in 2003, more than 100 teens have participated in the program. This year's winner will receive a prize package valued at more than $700, which includes cash and a single-term tuition scholarship to Southwestern Oregon Community College.

Bay Area Teen Idol is a drug- alcohol- and tobacco-free event for Coos County teens. It's designed to encourage youth to become involved and to be part of the solution for reducing the usage of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by minors in Coos County.

“We want to encourage our youth to become involved and be part of the solution for reducing the usage of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by minors in our county,” said event co-coordinator Kevin Stufflebean. “As leaders, we need to provide alternatives for our youth and instill in them that fun does not have to involve alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.”

Suggested donations at the door costs $2. Admission will be free for children and youth, and families will receive a discount.

Contestants will be judged on a variety of things including knowledge of song and music selections, voice and stage presence. The contestant with the lowest score will be eliminated from competition each week, returning throughout the contest to participate in group performances until the final round at the Bay Area Fun Festival on Sept. 15.

The 2006 winner, Samantha Rogers, of North Bend, will open the competition at the Egyptian Theater and continue to provide additional non-competitive performances throughout the contest.

For more information, those interested can call Kevin Stufflebean at 396-3121, ext. 281, or Stephanie Kilmer, at 269-0929, or visit http://www.kdcq.com.

The competition is sponsored by Bay Area Together for Youth, Department of Human Services, Coos County Commission on Children and Families, and local media. For more information, those interested can call Kevin Stufflebean at 396-3121, ext. 281.