“Whale of a Show” Presents Young Talent, Orcas-style

 –- by Cara Russell —

“Whale of a Show” takes Center Stage

“Whale of a Show” packed the house on Saturday, September 26 at Orcas Center. As they have for several years, Didier Gincig and his daughter Emilie shared duties as the two hosts of the all-kid talent show that has been a cherished event for years, decades even. Kids delight in putting on a show; and adults delight in the entertainment as the kids gain experience and confidence in performing for a large audience, as singing, dancing, and musicianship dominated the stage.

There were some family acts on Saturday, a favorite combination that Didier hopes to see more of next year.

Family acts included; Sisters Erin and Willow White, and close friend Violet Scott, who two-stepped into our hearts to “Rhinestone Cowboy.” The talented crowd-pleasing team, Brother for Sale, Tashi and Kai Litch, sang to traditional tunes on guitar and mandolin, performing with joy and ease. Darby Wright and Bayley Murray, sang “Amnesia” by Five Seconds of Summer. Darby’s older brother Aaron Lindholm accompanied the girls on his guitar. And big sister Ella Weaver sang “Stray Cat Strut” by Brian Setzer and “Black and Gold” by Katy Perry; then she introduced younger sister Lucia Weaver, and stayed on stage next to her as she sang “Summertime.”

Other young and endearing performances included opening act Phoebe Davis, Owa Nunes, Keagan Willard, and Grace Zwilling, dressed as ballerinas as they danced to “Ring Around the Rosie.”

Students of vocal teacher Grace McCune sang, accompanied by their mentor on the piano. Celia Groeninger sang “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone and “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera. Stormy Hildreth sang “Edge of the World” written by McCune, and “Skin” by Sixx A.M. Ella Weaver was also accompanied by McCune.

Other lovely voices that impressed the audience included Eve Eon in her powerful rendition of “Mr. Moonlight;” Isabella Evans who sang “Brave” by Sara Bareilles with all the heart in the world; and Alecia Talbot who sang “Stitches” by Sean Mendes movingly.

Malia Martinolich sang “Team” by Lorde and “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift, rousing everyone backstage to dance. And Rhema Miller and Karis Comrie were a duet to be reckoned with when they sang “Life’s Too Short” from “Frozen.”

Anwyn Thompson’s musicianship was clearly evident as she played the piano. TJ Liblik was a one-man show in himself, wearing a spotted dog costume and singing “Barking at the Moon.” And Ellie Wright finished the show, taking the entire stage in a graceful dance of her own choreography to “Firebird” by Igor Stravinsky.

All ticket proceeds benefit Orcas Center’s youth programs.

Special thanks to volunteers Theo McMurray, Regina Zwilling, Phil Burbo, Robert Austin, Chris Dolan, Ray Doss, Dane Steck, Marti Monroe, and Diane Keller-Batter.