European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - July 16, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                A it a Quot a . Lacey a so pc Iovin As Sandman Sims shows his stuff As Michael Jackson and at right James Brown. A amps John Bohmer o a town earns entertainers appearances at the apollos amps John Bohmer by Jimi Jones staff writer t was an extremely Long note on the saxophone that convinced the audience that Cedric m. Tyus would be the contestant most Likely to avoid being booed off the stage at the world famous Apollo theatre in new York City. Quot. And when the time came to make a selection spectators said the audience nearly blew off the roof at the Kaiserslautern special events Center with its cheering and applause. A. That s How things work when it s Showtime at the Apollo airs on National television and that s How it worked earlier this month when members of the Apollo cast visited Europe in search of Talent for the new York show. A a. The saxophone playing Tyus was the act that the. Audience of about 1,000 decided Cem entertainment Alliance should Send to the United states to appear As a guest at the Apollo while several other performers earned slots to appear on Amateur night at the Apollo. Gem entertainment is a conglomerate of organizations in Europe that served As sponsor for the Showtime at the Apollo Talent search in Kaiserslautern according to Benjamin Fleming promoter and organizer of the event. Fleming said the nearly four hour show featured More than 30 acts from places like Span Dahlem Hanau Wiesbaden Baum older and Kaiserslautern. Talent included comedians singers dancers and gospel groups. In addition to being a Talent search the night was also a Chance to see Sandman Sims an Apollo mainstay and Eric Harley master of ceremonies for its Amateur night. When the legendary Sandman a the wild wigged clownish fellow who shoos kicks or bats unappreciated Amateur acts off stage a is not doing the Happy tap dance at the Apollo he goes by his real name . Lacey and is billed As Quot America s Premier comic  before the show Lacey vowed to give the audience a glimpse of James Brown Michael Jackson Stevie _ wonder Lionel Ritchie and a Host of other Apollo legends. And As Sandman he promised to kick off the stage any number of the More than 30 scheduled acts in Kaiserslautern in both cases he was True to his word. Quot the audience is the judge Quot he said in a Telephone interview before the show. But he is the executioner. Lacey said he earned his Job after a Tough Apollo audience made him a contest Winner for his James Brown act. When the then Sandman was called away to perform in the movie taps Lacey said the Apollo offered him the Sandman role. Quot they liked me so much they kept me on said the Brooklyn n.y., native Gem entertainment will sponsor Tyus a staff sergeant and nine year Veteran of the air Force on a we Klong expenses Pacij trip to perform As a regular guest at the Apollo. The second through fifth place winners of the european show will get the Chance to appear on Amateur night. Those four Are vocalist Shawn Gibson gospel group visions Etc an a Cappella group and Singer Erica Cooper. Gibson who has been singing since she was 12 years old said she was offered an Apollo Date for the second week in september. The 11 i year army Veteran who began her routine with what she called a microphone Check of in Vogue s hold on and then treated the audience to her rendition of Whitney Houston s i la always love you said it would be a Blessing if the Apollo Date created the Opportunity to Quot get something started Quot with her singing ability. Quot Tyus and i have been trying to win these Talent shows for a Long time. I Jost thank cod for the fans who have supported me Quot the staff sergeant said. Harley said it won t be the first time that americans overseas have appeared at the Apollo. He and Sandman were in Giessen Germany last year and As a result several acts have performed at the Apollo s Amateur night Lacey advised the candidates who did not make it this year not to be too disappointed. Quot never give up your dream Quot he said. Quot Luther Vandross was booed off the Apollo stage five times. Now he has the big  deception a from left Erica Burke Lorenzo Davis and Tamara Ward a takes its shot at the Apollo. A amps John Bohmer the stars and stripes saturday july 16,1994