LAKEPORT >> If you want to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony, then Lake County Fairgrounds was the place to be Sunday but there is probably a bit of “American Idol” in all of us.
“Lake County Idol” drew a crowd of several dozen with partisan fans cheering their favorite singer on. With lots of talent on tap it was a tough decision for judges but ultimately the trophy for Idol champion was awarded to Samantha Carter. She sang “Saving all my love for you” recorded by Whiney Houston on her 1985 self-titled debut album. Compose by Michael Masser and Gerry Goffin, but it was actually recorded seven years earlier by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr..
A joyful Carter nodded her appreciation for the audience. “I enjoy singing … and I want to thank the judges,” Carter said. Master of Ceremonies, DJ Ken Steely thanked everybody and invited all contestants to return next year. “But Samantha, you’re the winner so, you can’t compete next year but you’re welcome to be a judge,” he said.
Carter noted she has sung Karaoke for a long time. “I’ve been invited to do some events and festivals so this brings back a lot of memories when I performed in Marin. So, people know me from Karaoke and I’m looking to form a group; and if somebody would like me in their group, I’d love to join.” Carter sings in an array of genres yet she does not do a lot of country but she does a few Patsy Cline songs. “But I put my little twist on it, I put my twist on everything I do.”
Steely praised the performers for their efforts including second place singer Keith Vidra, who sang Living Colour’s “Cult of Personality” and third place performer, Tiera Bright, who sang “I who have nothing.” Steely pointed out he has never been in a band himself yet loves featuring local talent. “That’s my deal, at the radio station I work for,” he said. “We were doing the Ukiah idol years ago and I said, I’d like to start a Lake County Idol but then the Pandemic hit. So, last year was we finally got it going so, I’m real happy.”
Earlier on Sunday Steely hosted Mr. and Miss Lake County Fair for children 6 years old and younger.
Five girls and two boys participated. All were asked what their favorite thing was about the Fair, what their favorite food was, what was their favorite ride, and what was their favorite animal. Nicole Choate, 6 years old was one of the participants. Nicole is in the first grade at Lakeport Elementary School. She likes mathematics and plays soccer at school. This was her first time in the Mr. and Miss Lake County Pageant. Her mother is Martha Olloqui. “The pageant was very nice,” Olloqui said. “I didn’t even know they did this. The other kids were so cute. I loved all their answers to the questions. Added Nicole, she liked riding the Ferris Wheel, watching the hogs but especially, the Shetland Ponies.
Over at the Gazebo Stage a raucous Blues Band, Stevie & the Shufflenuts performed a soul stirring set of Blues covers by Jimmy Reed, Magic Sam, Big Joe Turner, Hound Dog Taylor, Junior Wells and from the Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers album, “Dead Flowers. Band members include Stevie DuBois on drums, Paul Dowling on lead guitar and Dave Falco on bass guitar. Stevie and the Shufflenuts perform at the Saw Shop in Kelseyville and on September 16 play at the Blue Wing in Upper Lake.
