Young Stars Shine at “Orcas Has Talent” Junior Competition

Mikaela Hansen wins the Junior Competition of "Orcas Has Talent." She will perform at the final show on Saturday, Feb. 5

by Nikki Jefford

Singers shared the stage with musicians, dancers and even a magician at this years “Orcas Has Talent” during the junior competition at the Grange on January 22. The fundraiser for Orcas Island Prevention Partnership is in its sixth year, originally cast as “Orcas Idol” after the hit TV show;this year organizers made the decision to broaden the field and encourage a diversity of performance.

A panel of all new judges reflected the mixed bag of talent with director and actor, Robert Hall; film writer and producer, Janet Brownell; rock performer, Ronna Myles-Era (junior competition); and Anita Orne (auditions) who plays for the Olga Symphony and JP and the OK Rhythm Boys. The judges were both appreciative and encouraging in their assessment of each performance. They had the difficult task of choosing a winner for the junior competition; later that evening, they also awarded eight golden tickets for the final “Orcas Has Talent” competition on Feb. 5. The finalists will compete for a $500 cash prize at the Orcas Center.

Mikaela Hansen, won the Junior Competition at the Grange on Saturday afternoon. She was chosen from nine acts for her soulful voice and skill on the guitar when she performed “My Declaration” by Tom Baxter.  The Orcas teen is a budding song writer, as well. Judges Brownell and Myles-Era said Hansen’s passion on the stage had them near tears.

“I felt like it came from your heart,” Robert Hall said to Hansen. “It was authentic.”

As winner of the “Orcas Has Talent” junior competition and $50 prize, Mikaela has the choice of performing or competing in the final show.

Junior Competitors at the "Orcas Has Talent" Junior Competition: (from left) Daria Stankevich, Arianna Dean, Violet Sturk, Haillee Stevens, Jacqueline Figureo, Tori Sturk, Matthew Laslo-White, Rhiannon Lawson, Mikaela Hansen, Christian Bailey and Luke Bronn.

Arianna Dean opened the junior competition with a voice that soared over the audience as she sang Anna Nalick’s “Breathe.”  Dean dazzled in a formal dress that shimmered under the lights, but it was her eyes that shined brightest as she tipped her head while singing, “And breathe, just breathe” into the auditorium.

Rhiannon Lawson sang “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” from “Phantom of the Opera” in a theatrical voice worthy of Broadway. Her props and costume made her a one-woman show that captured the audience at once.

Christian Bailey and Luke Bronn were a kick in their Fedora hats and carefully coordinated duo, singing Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” It was a treat to see two boys perform together.

Violet Sturk gave a high energy dance performance to Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite.” Sturk made the stage her own giving herself a wide berth to perform complex arm, hand movements and fancy footwork.

Hailee Stevens played an eclectic version of Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” on the keyboard. It sounded part lullaby, part new age and was a creative spin on a classic favorite.

Daria Stankevich looked like a sweet Southern Belle in her cowgirl getup singing “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatt. Stankevich’s stage presence was vibrant and she clearly enjoyed herself as she nailed each soulful note.

Jacqueline Figuera and Tori Sturk sang, danced and spun on the stage to B.o.B.’s “Magic.” The girls choreographed the routine and set down their mics on several occasions to perform complex moves before picking the mics and lyrics back up and playing off one another with charming spunk.

The song “Magic” was followed by an actual magic show performed by Matthew Laslo-White: The Magician and runner up of the Junior Competition. Laslo-White was a sensation on stage. Every moment of his act was pure entertainment and fully engaged the audience.

While the junior competition has ended, one can only hope that these talented young performers continue to develop their skills and take part in more public venues.

Tickets to the final show can be purchased at Darvill’s Bookstore. Note that these sell out within a few days every year.

Proceeds from the auditions, junior competition and final show benefit Orcas Island Prevention Partnership (OIPP) a community prevention coalition of individual members and 13 partner non-profits working together to support a safe and healthy community. Marta Nielson, director of OIPP, expounded on the organization’s goal of safe, fun and entertaining outlets for kids. “Orcas Has Talent,” OIPP’s biggest fundraiser, owes its success to a huge cadre of volunteers and the courageous performers who take the stage.

Now it’s up to the audience to decide who will be the ultimate winner of  “Orcas Has Talent.”