The audience along with judges will select from promising Central Oregon talent the winners of the HeART of the High Desert Talent Faire to be held on August 13th at 2:00 at the Sunriver Art Faire in the Village at Sunriver outdoor stage. Contestants include all age groups from middle schoolers to senior citizens from throughout Central Oregon, and were selected by judges at auditions in May. Judges for the competition were Michael John (performer, songwriter and partner in Stargroup Oregon), Hal Worcester (singer-songwriter and radio personality), and Amanda Rose (Talent Promoter Producer).
The current line-up includes: the CinderBlue Band, who describe their music as Americana; Count the Ants, a middle school band that plays original music; Anna Stone, dancer/choreographer; Joshua Sarles, acoustical guitarist/songwriter; Kenya Hudson, singer; Kylan Johnson, folk/blues singer; Lauren Kershner, singer/songwriter; Betty Fairham, the Dancing Granny; Nate Darlington & Kelley Farrell, performing bluegrass and country music as The Long Lost Cousins; Jimena Romero, classical and Broadway vocalist accompanied by Jonathon Shephard; Shin Nishikawa, a soloist who performs Italian love songs, Organic Music Farm, a husband and wife duo performing Americana music; and Derek Reed, guitarist.
Following the first round of performances at 2:00 on August 13th, the professional judges and the voting audience will select six finalists. Those six will perform at 4:00 with the three winners being announced at 5:00. The top three finalists will receive paid performances at future Sunriver events as prizes. This event promises to be a highlight of the Sunriver Art Faire, so mark your calendar to come, listens, watch and vote for your favorite.
Sponsors of the HeART of the High Desert Talent Faire are Obsidian Hair Spa, Bend Performing Arts Center, Star Group Entertainment and Events, and The Village at Sunriver. All net proceeds from the Sunriver Women’s Club Art Faire and Talent Faire will help support local non-profit organizations.
