TORONTO, ON - May 14, 2014 /CNW - Ready to take the stage? Singers and songwriters are invited to submit an original song to enter to become the next Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic Rising Star. The third year for the competition, finalists could win cash prizes and the opportunity to perform their song live during Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic this Canada Day long weekend.

"We are excited about the return of the Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic Rising Star Contest, which is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring artists to share their talents before an enthusiastic and supportive audience at the picnic," said Claude Norfolk, Scotiabank Senior Vice President of the Toronto Region. "We are so proud to sponsor the CHIN International Picnic, which brings together people from many different cultures to showcase and celebrate Toronto's diversity. I encourage local singers to enter the contest and everyone to take part by voting on the website. We're looking forward to seeing this year's talented group of finalists!"

The Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic Rising Star Contest 2013 awarded Andres Sierra the grand prize winner, with the $3,000 top prize after performing in front of a live audience at the Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic. Belinda Naccarato and Angelo Scortino were the runners up, and won $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. As a special feature of this year's Finals on July 1^st, the winner of the 2013 Rising Star contest, ANDRES SIERRA, will perform his recent song release Phoenix.

From March 31 to May 23, 2014, singers over the age of 14 can register and upload a video of themselves singing an original song towww.scotiabankchinpicnic.com. Online voting opens to the public on May 24, 2014. New this year, ten semifinalists will be selected based on the number of votes received during May 24 to June 17 and invited to perform live at the Scotiabank CHIN picnic on Saturday June 28. 

Five finalists will then be selected by a panel of judges to go on to the finals on Tuesday July 1^st, 2014, where they will perform live and the new 2014 Scotiabank Rising Star will be awarded. 

Contestants must fill out all mandatory fields on the registration form. Only one registration and entry per contestant. The Rising Star Contest is open to individuals residing in Canada (excluding the province of Quebec). Participants must be legal residents of Canada and age 14 or older. For contest details, official rules and regulations, visit www.scotiabankchinpicnic.com.

Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic
International Headliners, World Beat Music 
Sports, Family Fun and More! 
June 28, 29, & July 1, 2014 - Exhibition Place, Free Admission
DON'T MISS THE FIREWORKS SHOW ON SATURDAY JUNE 28^TH @ 10PM

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 a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average some $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

For further information and media inquiries: 

Anita Verma 
BUZZ PR
averma@buzzpr.ca
(416) 777 2899
Fax (416) 777 0080

Diana Hart
Scotiabank
416 866 7238
Diana.hart@scotiabank.com