I’d like to thank all acts who performed at the Two Rivers Talent Contest. There was a considerable variety of musical abilities displayed for everyone’s enjoyment. It was refreshing to see the cooperation between these entrants as they assisted each other with instruments, while still competing for a single grand prize.

Apparently, according to a recent letter to the editor, some saw this local talent effort as akin to Americas Got Talent or another expensively sponsored television extravaganza. As with many first year efforts, glitches pop up, but were handled with whatever resources were at hand. In response to that letter, I’d like to assure everyone that there were several inaccuracies stated.

Our judges were three individuals from the entertainment field; a DJ, an event performer and a guest from Colorado. No committee members took any part in deciding a winner. As I announced, they were to judge each act fairly, based on quality, not quantity.

Prior to the event, all acts were informed of a time limit of 15 minutes with a song limit of two to four songs. The time limit was to account for the provision of a drum-set and PA system. As each contestant arrived Saturday, I pointed out a possible schedule change of the contest’s opening act, potentially allowing for an extra five minutes of on stage time.

Assuming this, each act was to plug in instruments and perform within that time frame. All acts were made aware of this and all were there when the opening act appeared as scheduled.

At no point did any act do more than four songs. Several did two, several did three and one did four - not five or six. When it became apparent the contest was running late, with our featured band waiting to perform, I was reminded of the need to speed it up. Band number seven had been on stage for seven or eight minutes before even starting. Then shortly after, into the first song, stopped and stated they were warming up. After completing their first song they were politely advised of the necessity to bring on the main act, while there was yet another contestant to perform. They were allowed to perform a second song, as was the final contestant. No contestant was stopped in the middle of their song.

I should also like to mention that even though a PA was provided, as well as a soundman, another was set up, using valuable performing time. Again,

World all acts knew ahead of time that one was provided.

As a final note, I was approached separately by two individuals identifying themselves as being associated with the band in question. I felt their behavior was not acceptable in a family social setting. Such attitudes are not becoming of young talent and will not further a career in music or any other field.

Larry Beckner Talent Contest Coordinator Two Rivers Music Fest