American Idol contestant set to perform locally this weekend

After receiving rave reviews from a panel of celebrity judges during his audition for American Idol in Boston, for his version of Ed Sheeran's "Lego House," 17-year-old Sam Woolf will progress to the next level of the competition.

But before leaving for Hollywood in a few weeks, the Braden River High Senior has a few stops to make in his hometown.

This weekend, he will perform at two venues — at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18, at Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton, and Jan. 19 at the Manatee County Fair. The showtime for his appearance at the fair is to be determined, according to a county fair staff member.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].