The 2^nd Annual ABS BeautyBASH, held Saturday evening March 9 during the 2013 America’s Beauty Show, was a celebration of the creativity that exists across the wide spectrum of the professional beauty industry.

MODERN SALON MEDIA’s own Beauty and Fashion Director Maggie Mulhern was mistress of ceremonies for the event that was planned by the board of directors of Cosmetologists Chicago, owners and producers of America’s Beauty show.

The BeautyBASH added a new dimension this year with a talent presentation by salon professionals who submitted videos of their non-hairdressing talents that included singing, dance and musical performance.  Held in the Runway area, the cabaret seating, drinks and hors d’oeuvres provided a clubby atmosphere for the show that opened with music by The Party Faithful band  featuring CC Board President Joseph Cartagena on the drums.

A lively mix of awards presentations and performances by the seven Beauty BASH talent winners made for an evening that showcased success and achievements on so many levels proving again that “Beauty has Talent.”

The winners of the ABS Stars Photo Contest were announced giving the audience a chance to see the winning submissions.

Matrix artist and New York City salon owner Chrystofer Benson took home honors in three Stars categories: Makeover Expert, Color America Colorist of the Year and Texture Champion.

Amanda McKenzie, of Michael’s Salon & Spa in Centerville, Ohio won the Hair Fashion Visionary Award. Jennifer Price of Zano’s Salons & Spas in Naperville, Illinois received the Day to Night honor and Erin Brooks of Frank Gironda Salons in Wheaton was named Men’s Look Champion.

Benson also achieved the highest aggregate score for his entries earning him $1,000 and the Leo Passage Gold Trophy. Past Gold Trophies were won by Mario Tricoci and the late Leo Passage, founder of Pivot Point International. The Gold Trophy was brought back by CC Past President Frank Gironda to honor Passage, and the trophy is now named after him and resides at Pivot Point headquarters. Passage’s wife Lenie and son Robert Passage presented the Leo Passage Gold Trophy to Benson.

BeautyBASH Talent winners were interspersed among the awards presentations and wowed guests with their entertainment fire power. As MC Maggie said, “We don’t want to lose any of you, but you could leave your day job.” All performers were that good.

Stephanie Jarrin of Oswego, Illinois displayed her rhythm and blues talents. Kim Shriver of Cary, Illinois belted out a Broadway-worthy All That Jazz. Katherine Lanave of Howell, Michigan dazzled with her ballet performance. Marie Therese Messuck of Itasca, Illinois and Nicole Sellers of Naperville, Illinois rocked the house with their singing and Krystal Gardner of Muskegon, Michigan took a folk turn with song and guitar. Samantha Gribble of Chicago, a classical cellist, performed with accompaniment by ABS President and CC Executive Director Paul Dykstra on the piano.

Models styled by ABS Runway headliner Tracey Hughes took the stage followed by Pivot Point’s International Creative and Technical Director Yolly ten Koppel who styled models in an homage to the talents of the late stylist and showman extraordinaire Xenon.

The evening concluded with a grand musical finale that brought all ABS BeautyBASH Talent winners on stage along with their great back-up dancers and music by the Party Faithful.

All proceeds from the ABS BeautyBASH will benefit the CC President’s Scholarship Fund that awards annual cash scholarships for advanced education.

Photography by Lauren Salapatak