Shrine Nightclub hosts monthly All Natural Talent Showcase

On Thursday, The Shrine nightclub launched its monthly talent showcase, All Natural: An Artist’s Workshop, inside the cozy confines of the venue’s Coup d’etat lounge. Perhaps the biggest challenge contestants faced wasn’t captivating a very grown and sexy audience, but attracting enough patrons on the same night as Ye and Jay’s Watch the Throne concert. That factor considered, the turnout was pretty impressive, as were the live performances from local emerging hip-hop, soul, funk and R & B artists including former Erykah Badu back-up singer Yahzarah and homegrown rapper Nikki Lynette.

One lucky winner will be selected to perform as opening act at a TBA Shrine concert. The series runs throughout 2012 and features celebrity guest hosts including Dwele, Goapele, Res and Leela James. Aspiring vocalists, musicians, lyricists and DJs can submit MP3 audio files (with a photo) and video clips to toneb.allnatural@gmail.com.

The next installment takes place on January 5. For a recession-friendly ten bucks, you can preview tomorrow’s superstars. Do it now, before their concert ticket prices are that of a Range Rover car payment. Shrine Nightclub, 2109 S Wabash St (312-753-5700, theshrinechicago.com). Doors 8pm, performances 9–11pm, DJ set 11pm–1am; $10.