News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By LeRae Haynes 

There was high entertainment at Sugarcane last night at the annual ‘Rez Idol’ competition. Ten performers brought their skills and personalities to the stage for the final event in the annual Three Corners Health ‘Summer Splash’. 

The contest Master of Ceremonies was Sugarcane Recreation Department Manager Robert Gilbert. 

First on stage was Marilyn Charleyboy from Redstone who sang two original songs in the ‘adult’ category: the first accompanied by hand drum and the second on acoustic guitar. Fairly new to solo performing, she sang with a warmth and passion that was unmistakable and compelling. 

The next performer was Chelsey McKay in the ‘youth’ category, performing a dance in beautiful regalia. A resident of Sugarcane, she is no stranger to the stage and has brought her skill and dedication to events at Sugarcane in the Williams Lake community. 

Wind Dance Supernault also performed a traditional dance, accompanied by his father, Lennard Supernault, dedicating his performance to his uncle, Gerald Supernault. 

Local Sugarcane youth and Olympic torch runner Julie Palmantier performed next, singing an original song, ‘Two Birds of a Feather’ accompanied by Jarod Gimble on guitar. She delighted the audience with her courage and determination, and received great encouragement from the crowd to continue her singing endeavors. 

Nine-year-old Moonlite Supernault took the stage to sing a Karaoke version of K’Naan’s ‘Wavin Flag’ with skill and confidence. The young Sugarcane girl dedicated the song to her uncle, Gerald Supernault. While waiting for her song to cue, she told a joke to entertain the crowd. 

Another confident young performer took the stage next, performing on both saxophone and electric guitar. Clayton Charleyboy impressed the audience with his humour, talent and ability to get the crowd involved in his performance. He played the ‘Pink Panther’ theme on the sax, and then got the crowd to clap the rhythm while he played guitar lead and sang ‘Susie Q’. 

Shari Narcisse brought ‘Granny Bannock’ to the competition in the adult category. An obvious crowd-favourite, she made a dramatic entrance, dancing her way to the stage and building excitement for her comedy routine. Original and energetic, she added a unique brand of local humour to the event. 

Lennard Supernault from Sugarcane performed an original song on drum which he said was given to him by his brother. He also said that the song has strong personal meaning for him. He talked about his struggles during his teen years, and how the need to make positive changes in his life led him into a ‘Pow-wow lifestyle’ that including singing and dancing. After performing in drum groups for a number of years, he started his own group and named it ‘Signal Point.’ 

“I named it ‘Signal Point’ because of the time in our history when our people would sit at the Point and watch for their invited visitors and guests to arrive for a feast or celebration,” he explained. “When they spotted the travelers, they would start a fire to signify that their guests were on their way.” 

Lincoln Chapman from Soda Creek was the next Rez Idol competitor, singing and playing bass guitar, accompanied by members of ‘Nan’s Band’ on electric/lead guitar and drums. His vocals were strong and smooth, and highlighted very well by the rest of the talented group. 

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The final performer was Jucinda Mack, who also sang with Nan’s Band. She sang ‘Famous in My Own Life’, which combined humorous and poignant lyrics, great stage presence and sheer talent. Fairly new to the stage as a singer, she also performed an original piece, ‘Paradise’, with hauntingly beautiful lyrics, written while living in Bella Coola. 

‘Summer Splash’ included a highly successful health fair, featuring 31 booths and displays. There were pie-eating and watermelon-eating contests in the afternoon, and a delectable, home-cooked feast, followed by the Rez Idol contest. 

Runner-up winners for the contest were Chelsey McKay, Moonlite Supernault, Marilyn Charleyboy, Julie Palmantier, Lennard Supernault and Lincoln Chapman. 

First place winner in the youth category was Wind Dance Supernault, who came away with a $300 prize, and the winner of $150 in second place was Clayton Charleyboy. 

In the adult category, ‘Granny Bannock’ won $500 for first place and Jucinda Mack took second place for $300. 

 Special thanks were given to Lynn Dunford and her co-workers from Three Corners Health, who organized and put on the annual event. Other community volunteers who contributed their time, support and expertise were also thanked, including the three judges for the Rez Idol contest.

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