Second time’s a charm for Morristown Onstage

This is the third in a series of profiles highlighting the finalists of Morristown Onstage, to be held Feb. 24 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.  

When Daniel Baldan returns to the Mayo stage as a solo act, he’ll do so with more experience, which he’ll use to channel Johnny Cash.

Baldan, 37, of Morristown, first played the Mayo Performing Arts Center in 2014 - back when Morristown Onstage was going by its original iteration, Morristown’s Got Talent – as a member of the Pizza Shop Boys trio.

“I wanted to audition again because I feel I've come a long way from my performance two years ago,” Baldan said. “I have been running my own open mics for over a year, and have been playing solo gigs in the area as well. My guitar playing and singing has improved, and my confidence in performing has increased.”

But he took his time choosing the song that he’ll use to highlight his improvement. Baldan auditioned with a “laid back” song, but chose to replace the tune with something more upbeat for the show, ultimately selecting Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.”

Baldan has been playing guitar for a decade, and doing so publically for the past three years. Leading up to the competition, he plans to continue to practice and play smaller events.

If he wins, he’ll buy another guitar, but first he said he’ll need to earn the victory.

“There are a lot of talented people in the show,” Baldan said. “I will do my best.”

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-713-5194;mizzo@GannettNJ.com

Morristown Onstage

What: A show featuring the best amateur talent from Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains, presented by and benefiting the Morris Educational Foundation.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 24

Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St. in Morristown.

Tickets: On sale to the general public on Feb. 1. Prices range from $25 to $75. For information, call MPAC at 973-539-8008 or visit www.mayoarts.org.