The idea of the Two Rivers Music Fest talent competition would have been a great idea if the groups had all been treated fairly. In a competition all participants

World should have equal time and be judged on the same criteria.

Events earlier in the day caused the talent competition to start late. Each group had been told they would have 15-20 minutes to play. The first six performers played four to six songs each. When the local group Aitas got up to play they were told that time was running short and they would only be allowed to play one song. They played their song and started to play another and were stopped and told to let the next group play. When the final group got up to play they announced that they would be playing three songs. They played three songs and then were asked to play another one.

Aitas was the only one of the eight groups to bring their own equipment. They were very helpful to each of their competitors. Not only did they allow the other groups to use their equipment, and control the sound for them, but they also helped each group set up for their performances. They were not even thanked for their assistance in making the talent

show have sound.

Those of you who attended World the Music Fest Talent Competition were cheated. Aitas might not have won the competition, but they were not even given a fair chance. Aitas is an up and coming group. They have been asked by Ken Pental to perform at his Gubernatorial Candidate Fundraiser in Minneapolis on Aug. 6. If you would like to hear what you missed on Saturday, you can hear their original music at www.reverbnation.com and also on Facebook.

The Motley Music Fest Talent Competition was not a well planned or fair event. We are also sending a letter to the Two Rivers Music Fest Committee with recommendations for future talent competitions. If they adopt some of our recommendations maybe future competitions will be fair and equal for all participants.

Liz Capistrant Gini Schwichtenberg Desiree O’Brien Staples, Minn.