LAKEPORT>> On Friday at the Soper Reese Theatre, the Lakeport Rotary presented their first ever Talent Show Gala. The event was a culmination of prior performances and a few weeks of online voting, which determined the winners – Third place going to Gabriella Soria, the runner up Lower Lake Color Guard, and the grand prize winner Dennis Purcell. Congratulations to all those who participated.
With a total of 10 performances, the talent show was packed full of both lesser and well-known local acts from singers to guitar players and even a magician. Rotarian and past president Tim Lincoln served as master of ceremoies, introducing every act beginning with Soria who sang “Jealous” by Labrynth, earning her the award of third place and $1,000. She was followed by 6-year-old Bella Bua who sang “Tomorrow” by Martin Charnin. Bua was a hit with the judges, who were Rotary President Mark Lipps, President Elect Pam Harpster, Executive Director of the Lake County Arts Council Barbara Clark, and Lakeport Chief of Police Brad Rasmussen.
Although all voting was conducted by the public, this group of community members served as formal judges for the event, while also aiding the audience in getting to know each act. During the event they asked each contestant what they would spend the $1,000, $2,000, or grand prize of $3,000 on if they won to which Bua replied, “Well my brother really wants a Tesla, I don’t know why.” The crowd roared at that, following along as she continued to explain that in her favorite online game Roblox there are new items and characters she would like to purchase “But they cost like 200,000 Robucks.” Lincoln continued her announcing duties and said, “Doesn’t that just warm your heart?”
Next up was Purcell, a long time and well-versed folk singer who sang “Beautiful Dreamer” by Stephen Foster while playing the guitar and harmonica, all simultaneously. Lipps asked Purcell “As someone who does a lot for this community, if you win what do you plan on doing with the money?” Purcell shared “It will all go to KPFZ community radio.” Purcell explained how throughout all of the county’s devastating fires, KPFZ and their small army of volunteers would remain on air 24/7 to provide necessary lines of communication. Purcell was awarded the grand prize of $3,000.
Duo Noveau, a guitar playing duet group comprised of Jim Williams and Dory Smith, performed next playing “Ventura Highway” by America. Last before intermission was the Lower Lake Color Guard who, despite technical difficulties which cut their music completely, and were left in silence for the last few minutes of their performance, left the audience in awe.
Clark commented “The fact that you pushed through with the music and all just knew the choreography. Choreography is hard, these guys know what they’re doing!” The group was awarded second place and said they would be spending the $2,000 award on new uniforms and updated equipment.
After intermission 11-year-old Luke Barth entertained the crowd with his guitar skills, starting a tune on one guitar in one style and ending with another guitar and several other styles. Next was Irma Lopez, traditional Mexican Singer so sang a folk song entitled “Cu Cu Ru Cu Cu Paloma.” Then the Lower Lake Drum Line stunned the crowd with the vibrations from their performance. The judges asked the team how they would use the funds should they be chosen as the winner. The team members said that their drums need updating, and they would really like to be able to compete on a state level, but were in need travel funds. Following the drum line was Chase the Entertainer, a comedic magician who performs all over the country, always making the annual Kelseyville Bacon Fest.
The final performance was Travis Rinker, a professional solo instrumental guitarist who has won awards and played at large festivals alongside other guitarists like Alex de Grassi and Rick Eunolt. Overall, the event was seemingly a success according to those in attendance. Rotary Chair Marie Schrader mentioned that she hatched the idea for this event about a year ago, and said she was happy that the rotary club shared in her enthusiasm. Schrader added, “It is looking like this will be a wonderful event to look forward to every year.”
