Youth audition for annual Search for Talent
RED BLUFF » Singers, pianists and dancers filled the Red Bluff Veterans Memorial Hall on Saturday where auditions for the 14th annual Search For Talent competition were underway.
The event showcase, hosted by the Red Bluff Exchange Club, is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29 at the State Theatre. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 11-17 and free for those younger than 10.
“We put it on to highlight the talent locally and to give Tehama County youth a chance to showcase their talent,” said Chairman Ben Hughes.
“In recent years, we’ve expanded to youth beyond Tehama County. We’ve had several alumni of the showcase who have gone on to perform professionally, including Chad Bushnell and Devin Penner.”
Hughes said he enjoys getting to watch local youth start out in the primary age division and eventually graduate to the senior level of competition. Several returnees included Matilyn Szychulda, Tillie Louisell and Frankie Ferreira.
“We hope the community will come out and
show their support for our Tehama County Youth,” Hughes said.
Acts will be divided into categories of Primary, 6-9 years old; Junior, 10-14 and Senior, 15-18. The winners will move on to the district competition, which includes winners from Northern California and Nevada.
At Saturday’s audition,
numbers included dancers Anastasia Hartman and Mckenna Franks to pianists Hayden Harrigan, who performed “Bumble Boogie,” and Reese Whitaker, who performed “Minuet in G.”
Szychilda sang “Memory” while Maddie Garcia performed Celine Dion’s hit song “Because You Loved Me.”
Ferreira danced to the Backstreet Boys song “I Want It That Way” and Kenna Eusted, accompanied by her grandfather Tom Threlkeld on guitar, sang “Someone You Love.”
The winners from the 2019 Red Bluff Search for
Talent competition were Brody Gadbois in first, Reese Whiteaker in second and Brooklyn McCammon in third for the Primary Division. Alexis Drum took first, Elizabeth McCammon came in second and Jaden McCammon took third in the Junior Division while Novalee Herren-Kuns took first in Senior Division, Tillie Louisell placed second and Megan Bullert won third place.
Contact reporter Julie Zeeb at 530-737-5053.