Local organizations to sponsor ‘Idol’ watch party for Asia’h w/ links to download videos, ring tones and post comments on 'American Idol' message boards

By Dustin Shipman

dshipman@joplinglobe.com

They’re getting ready to go Crazia’h for Asia’h.

A watch party for Joplin’s own “American Idol” contestant Asia’h Epperson is in the works.

The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in The Foundry at The Bridge, 3405 S. Hammons Blvd.

In next week’s episode on the FOX network, Epperson will compete in the top 20 finalists of the show. The show will be beamed onto a giant screen inside The Foundry, which is The Bridge’s music venue. Admission is free and the event is open to all ages.

The Bridge also will be open for recreation and will offer a special $5 admission fee.

Lindsay Matush, development director for The Bridge, said the event is a chance for local residents to come out and celebrate with others from the community in support of Epperson.

Local not-for-profit groups which are supporting the event will have booths set up with information available about their organizations.

“We are just thrilled to work with so many organizations that are community-minded,” Matush said. “This is really a community-pride thing for Joplin to see one of Joplin’s own out there in the top 20.”

There will be games and prizes during the event and, after the show airs, celebrants can vote for Asia’h Epperson to move forward to the next “American Idol” round. The voting results will be announced during a subsequent episode at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Amy York, program development director for the Joplin Family Y, said the newly formed Not-for-Profit Alliance of Joplin is sponsoring the event.

“This all started because we wanted an event that the Not-for-Profit Alliance could get behind and get the word out to let people know what we are all about,” York said. “When we found out that we had someone from Joplin who was on ‘American Idol,’ I thought it would be a great way to both support someone from our community and to also get the word out for the Not-for-Profit Alliance.”

Ginger LaMar, of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, said the alliance was started about a year ago to band together groups with similar interests underpinned by community service.

“This is a great quality-of-life event to bring everyone together to support someone from our area and it has had a very positive response,” LaMar said.