Wednesday, June 19, 2013
PONOKA NEWS Page 27
Wednesday, June 26 Following the Chuckwagon Races
6:30 Chuckwagon Races • 8:30 Talent Show on the Big Stage with a Live Band
T o p 1 2 E n t e r ta i n e r s Jennifer Chapman Not unlike her small town of Sundre, Jennifer is an interesting mix of passion, adventure and community. Born to sing and create – Jennifer enjoys the adventure of life and is set to make her dreams a reality. She has extensive experience performing onstage for Canadian Idol, Pop Stars and Canadian Showcase for Models and Talent. As a single mom, business owner and full time employee – Jennifer’s energy comes from her children, her Amazing Graces. Her wild hair is sure to catch your eye, but her soulful voice is sure to catch your heart.
kelly giebelhaus
This buckaroo first strummed a guitar about age 9. It was more a dust collecting device at the time, but he played it till his fingers bled and became calloused. Completely self taught to play, sing and write Kelly has entered a variety of contests over the years. Despite being professionally employed, he plays daily and still finds time to play local venues in a duo act with a friend. Writing is also a passion and has more than enough material for a CD which he is currently working on.
jaret matthews
My name is Jaret Matthews. I play guitar and sing, and I am a finalist in the Stampede Talent Show. I am 17 years old and I love music. In my spare time all I do is play my guitar and sing in my garage. I hope to do well with my performance, and I wish the other competitors the best of luck in their performances.
troy thomas Troy Thomas started singing at the age of ten. Thomas comes from a musically talented family; his parents, grandparents and older brother are all musically inclined. One of Thomas’s main musical influences was his older brother, known to many as Tommy Rogers, who pursued a professional musical career in the early 90’s. Thomas began competing locally at the age of twelve, singing in various local talent shows, including The Ponoka Stampede Star Talent Show and CFCW Star Search. In 1995, Thomas was named first place winner of Northlands Vocal Spotlight. Thomas went on to perform two years consecutively in 1996, 1997 at the Calgary Stampede Nashville North tent. From this performance Thomas won a one song recording which was titled “Is That a Tear”. This song was later recorded by country superstar Tracey Lawrence.Thomas is passionate about a good ole country tune, that tells a story and engages the listener. Thomas grew up listening to and loving traditional county music and sites his muscial heroes as “The Legends” of country music like, George Strait, Conway Twitty and Merle Haggard. After living overseas in New Zealand for the past ten years he is excited to return home to Alberta...... back to his country roots.
sarah cormier “If all you have is one song, sing it loud” is Sarah’s motto when it comes to what she loves doing most. Sarah is 16 years old and currently lives in Red Deer. The first time she fell in love with country music was when her mom handed her a Shania Twain CD, and as a curly haired little girl, she would always play it in her bedroom. She has been singing since and has always loved it. She’s participated in many musical theatre productions. “I’ve fallen in love with being on stage.” Sarah expresses herself by singing, playing, and writing music.
Henderson Prediger trio
We are Deanna Henderson (19), Jennifer Henderson (16), and Ceanna Prediger (16). All three of us were raised right here in Ponoka, Alberta. The talent show audition was our first time performing for a crowd as a trio, and now we are addicted to the stage! It is a blessing to be given the opportunity to bring down the house in our hometown at the Ponoka Stampede; we cannot wait to give it all we’ve got! A huge Thank You to everyone who makes this competition possible. We are excited to share our love of music with anyone who will listen!
ASHLEY MCINTOSH
Ashley McIntosh is a 17-year-old singer, songwriter and guitar player. She lives in Red Deer, Alberta, and attends Notre Dame Secondaire High school. She was born on January 13, 1996 and has been singing for as long as she can remember. Music is her biggest interest and she works on it anywhere from two to six hours a day. During the 2011 CGMA (Country Gospel Music Association), Ashley won the Canadian Silver Heart Award for Teenage Performer of the Year. Her biggest aspiration is to work hard to earn herself a recording contract and from there begin a career as a professional entertainer.
olivia wik Olivia Wik is a 17 year old singer/ songwriter who delivers a unique, modern country sound. This young songstress has entertained at the Calgary Stampede, Big Valley Jamboree, Westerner Days, Summer Send Off, Canadian Finals Rodeo, and showcased at the 2012 CCMA’s ‘Diamonds in the Rough’ stage. Olivia has penned many country songs with 2 songs featured on a Detroit PBS TV Series, and has written with North American songwriters including Larry Wayne Clark, Tim Taylor, Troy Kokol and Willie Mack, among others. Writing and performing country music is Olivia’s passion and she’s thrilled to be part of the Ponoka Stampede Talent Show.
Alex dion Alex Dion of Frog Lake Alberta was born in Elk Point AB August 21/1977. Falling in love with music at such a young age it was no surprise to see him pursue it in his life. Learning to play at the age of 14 Alex has played numerous shows in his life however says that the Ponoka Stampede is his favorite. He loves the Stadium that the Showcase is held and the energy of the Ponoka Crowd. “Its always such a great turnout” Alex says. This is Alex’s fourth time playing the Stampede and he is determined to give the best performance of his life. “I want to do something different and really stand out from the rest, and show that I am a true performer” Alex states. Determined more than ever Alex says this is the year a professional album will surface with songs written from the hearts of he and his wife Flower of 9 years. Alex’s final statement says “ Hard work, confidence and positive thinking is key in musical success and I am ready to take the musical Bull by the Horns, I guarantee my name will be known around the world through music”
Sydney Mae Sydney Mae a 12 year old Singer/ Songwriter originally from Grande Prairie now living in Cochrane, AB, first started singing at the age of 4 with her Mom and sister at the Peace Country Gospel Jamboree, the same stage that’s also hosted Paul Brandt and High Valley. Since moving to Cochrane 2 years ago, she has won awards for her vocal performances, as well a song she has written herself. In the last year she has had the privilege of singing with Jo Hikk and has also recently booked an upcoming performance with Craig Moritz at the TransCanada Stampede Breakfast in Calgary.
rob rabbit
Music is something that I’ve always loved. I enjoy taking in as many open jam sessions and open mic nights as I can. If it weren’t for my friends asking me to play and sing for them and my families constant encouragement I never would’ve had the confidence to take it this far. This is definitely, by far the most unique talent show I’ve ever entered! Not to many people can say they’ve had the chance to play with a live professional band (backing them up) to perform on the exact same spot as where Dwight Yoakam, Dierks Bentley and Charlie Major once performed! Thank you so very much to the Ponoka Stampede Association for this awesome opportunity & experience!
cassidy zahar 15 yr old Cassidy Zahar is from Bellis, AB. Cassidy has performed at events all over Central & N.E. Alberta since the age of 9. Her most memorable moments: singing the National Anthem at the 2013 Tim Horton’s Brier, receiving the Alberta Men and Women of Country Music’s“Rising Star Award” in May 2013 and having been invited back to The Bashaw Festival of Stars for 2014. In March Cassidy travelled to Nashville and Pigeon Forge TN to compete in the North American Country Music Associations Int’l (NACMAI) music awards.. She was awarded: Int’l Female Vocalist of the Year, Int’l Female Entertainer of the Year and Int’l Video of the Year(13-16 yrs) . When not playing music, Cassidy enjoys reading & Ukrainian dancing.