Bowie Ballad Enough to Boost Baldan?

 Editor's Note: This is one of a series of features about the Morristown's Got Talent Finalists. Check back with Patch as more are posted leading up to the Feb. 26 event. 

An open mic and a good slice of pizza led Morris Township resident Daniel Baldan to the seventh annual Morristown's Got Talent. 

"I decided to go out for Morristown's Got Talent after some scouts came into Anthony's Pizza during the open mic night," Baldan said. "They urged us to audition and I'm glad they did."  

Baldan, who works at 54 Main Bar & Grill in Madison, chose to perform "Space Oddity" by David Bowie because "it is a song I have loved for many years and it suits my voice." 

Baldan is hoping the Bowie ballad is enough to wow the judges at the annual fundraiser for the Morris Educational Foundation and will compete for top prize, as well as for the admiration and praise of the regularly-sold out event. Tara Bernie, a Morristown resident who serves as senior producer for NBC’s Access Hollywood and Access Hollywood LIVE, will preside over Feb. 26 contest at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown. 

Baldan said that the audition process was fun, and the butterflies he anticipated never arrived. 

"I originally thought I would be nervous, but I really wasn't," Baldan said. "I made a conscious effort to do my absolute best, and I was happy after I walked out. That's all that mattered to me, but I have to be honest, being chosen to compete felt good." 

Baldan is quick to thank his "awesome" friends and family for supporting him. 

"I consider myself very lucky to have such great support from them all," Baldan said. "Several family members and friends will be in attendance during Morristown's Got Talent. I hope to make them proud."

 As for his chances to win? 

"I think I have a puncher's chance," Baldan said.  

Tickets will go on sale Jan. 27 for the event at the Mayo Peforming Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown. Those interested can call 973-539-8008 or purchase online at www.mayoarts.org.

Those interested in sponsoring the event or purchasing an advertisement in the event’s playbill to cheer on the contestants and to benefit the Morris Educational Foundation can download forms at www.morristownsgottalent.com.