‘RURAL AMERICAN IDOL’ PLAYS TO HUGE CROWD
By
Minda Painter

Exhilarating performances filled the 2-hour, Rural American Music Revue extravaganza, Saturday, April, 25th. at the Cotton Pickin’ Theatre, in downtown Point, Texas. Jason McDonald, (L) 2008-Rural American Idol and 2008-finalist, Devon Jade, were the headliners for the evening.

Keen competition among five contestants was anticipated for this event. The tension, however, was somewhat eased by the sparkle of the band and the opening numbers. Devon Jade (below R) opened the show with an old bluegrass tune, “I Wonder Where You Are Tonight”. The blue grass melodies presented by Jade, in harmony with his grandfather Johnny Ray, were energizing. Their hard driving, energetic bluegrass instrumental rendition of “The Foggy Mountain Breakdown”, with banjo and mandolin, was cheered on by the crowd.

Local personality, Betsy Stiles, (L) owner of Heaven’s Touch Massage Therapy in Emory, was tapped for a performance when her ability to entertain was recently discovered. Singing for the first time on stage, she strummed her guitar and presented an old campfire song, “Eda Coochie” and continued with, “If God Says Build An Ark”.

Another newfound talent from the Elementary Idol Contest at the Rains Elementary School was a 7-year-old stand-up comedian, Ethan Henry. (below R) Remarkably at ease on the big stage, he delivered his punch lines exceptionally well, drawing lots of laughs from everyone. A job well done for a gregarious, upcoming comedian!

Competition in Division II was staged early in the program, as contestant Laramie Lomanto had to dash off to her School Prom Night. Lamanto and her competition, Katelynn Huff, both chose Patsy Cline selections for the competition. Laramie Lomanto, from Alba, did a brilliant performance of “Walkin’ after Midnight” while Katelynn Huff, from Sulphur Springs, took on the challenge with her splendid performance of “I Fall To Pieces”. Both youngsters were well received by the audience.

Three contenders, in Division III, presented a riveting showdown for the next contest. John “Bear” DuBose, from Quitman, presented Merle Haggard’s “Swinging Doors” with great gusto. The challenge was answered by James Smith as he sang a Johnny Cash song, “Get Rhythm”. The showdown intensified as Kimberly Green, from Whitehouse, got up on stage for a superb performance of Martina McBride’s, “I Told You So”. Now it was time for the audience to vote.
(L-R: John Dubose, Kimberly Green, James Smith)

The essence of the Rural American Idol was displayed in spirit and performance by the current title holder, Jason McDonald. There was enormous approval from the crowd on his marvelous performance of songs popularized by country music greats, such as Buck Owens, George Strait, Merle Haggard, and Hank Williams. An outstanding sampling on his songwriting talent was evident when he sang an original song, “We are One”. It was a song he wrote for the wedding of his friend. Many of his original songs are available on his CDs.

The evening ended with the announcement of the results of the competition. Laramie Lomanto (R) and Katelynn Huff filled the two spots in Division II for the finals in November.

For Division III, Kimberly Green gained the thumbs up from the judges and garnered the most audience votes. The keen competition between the two gentlemen, DuBose and Smith, played to the end as they tied in total scoring, thereby joining Green in the finals next November. A grand cash prize of $1000 will be awarded to the overall winner in the November finals.

Auditions for the next Rural American Idol Competition are scheduled on May 23 and June 27. This program of the P.O.I.N.T. organization is geared to the amateur vocalists of today . . . the promising stars of tomorrow.

Information about the competition and entry form is available on the website www.ruralamericans.org or may call Minda Painter at 903-598-3809 or Gaye Hooten at 903-598-3293.