Winner will perform at Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic

TORONTO, May 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Scotiabank is looking for aspiring singers to showcase their singing skills and submit an original song for the chance of becoming the next Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic Rising Star. Finalists could win cash prizes and the opportunity to perform their song live at this year's Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic during the Canada Day long weekend.

"We are excited to bring back the Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic Rising Star Contest for the second year in a row because it gives artists the opportunity to showcase their singing skills, and the chance to perform live at the 2013 Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic, in front of a judging panel and supportive friends and family," said Pankaj Mehra, Director of Multicultural Banking, Scotiabank. "The Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic is a true celebration of the widespread diversity across the GTA and Scotiabank's support of this festival demonstrates our commitment to giving back to the multicultural communities that make Toronto, and Canada, so vibrant."

The Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic Rising Star Contest was first held last year where winner Angelo Sciortino took home the $3,000 top prize after performing in front of a live audience at the Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic. Belinda Naccarato and Micaela Comeau were the runners up, and won $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. Scotiabank is thrilled to bring the contest back to the picnic again this year, and is calling on all songwriters over the age of 14 to submit original music for a chance at winning a cash prize.

Contest entries must be original content in video format, in English and no longer than five minutes in length. In order to submit an entry for the contest, contestants must register on the Scotiabank CHIN Picnic website, between April 10, 2013, and May 17, 2013.

On May 18, all eligible entries will be posted at www.scotiabankchinpicnic.com where the public will have the chance to vote for their favourite singer. Online voting takes place from May 18, 2013 to June 18, 2013. The Top Five Finalists will be announced on the contest website on June 22, 2013, and will perform LIVE at the Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic on Canada Day in front of an audience and judging panel. The First Place Grand Prize Winner will receive $3,000 and be crowned the Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic Rising Star.

For schedule details go to www.scotiabankchinpicnic.com

About CHIN Radio/TV International:

The CHIN International Picnic is produced by CHIN radio /TV international; a Canadian radio and television broadcaster that produces and airs programming in over 30 different languages. The contribution of CHIN Radio to the cause of multiculturalism, understanding and tolerance between people of many national, racial and religious origins has been recognized and acknowledged throughout Canada.

CHIN is the first fully multicultural/multilingual station licensed in Canada. CHIN's three radio stations reach out in a multitude of languages serving Ontario's diverse cultural communities on CHIN AM1540/fm91.9 and CHIN FM100.7 in Toronto and CJLL 97.9FM in Ottawa.  CHIN Radio is also carried live over the internet on www.chinradio.com

About Scotiabank:

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $47 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit www.scotiabank.com.

SOURCE: Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations