By Dave Begel Contributing Writer Published Nov 20, 2012 at 8:29 AM Photography: Andy Tarnoff

If you've got stars in your eyes and want to start a journey toward Hollywood or Las Vegas or New York or even Branson, pay attention.

As part of its Winter Fest celebration, Dec. 26-31, organizers are going to hold their own version of "America's Got Talent" – called "Milwaukee's Got Talent" – right at the Delta Center (which used to be the Frontier Airlines Center, which used to be the Midwest Express Center) on Dec. 28.

Howard Stern will not be in attendance, but they are going to have some judges, led by last year's winner, 14-year-old singer-songwriter Hannah Mrozak. The other judges were not revealed by the organization but one of the organizers, Nicole Putchel, said they were "still working on some celebrities and sponsors."

Putchel said the competition was open to everyone but said the first prize was a session in a recording studio, which probably, she said, leaves jugglers or knife throwers out. In order to get into the contest, which last year had "about 20 to 25 entrants" you have to register by Dec. 14 at 5 p.m.

"We didn't even advertise last year so we expect to have more acts this year," Putchel said.

Information and registration are available at the website.

Dave Begel Contributing Writer

With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.

He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.

This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.

Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.