This year’s Jasper’s Got Talent was a memorable one: featuring on-stage selfies, a trio of incredibly talented sisters and a heart-wrenching a capella performance by “Grandpa” Dong Han.
The show started off with a bang, when five teachers from the Jasper Junior/Senior High School, calling themselves The Educators, put on a special performance.
From there things got rolling with an opening set featuring performances by both Abbie and Arianne Carlos, as well as music by Stpehen Nelson and a body-bending dance routine by Kiara Davis. Last year’s winner, Sydney Waddell, even made an appearance, rocking out on the ukulele.
The second half of the show saw more music from MJ Dayabdayab and Alyanna Carlos (the third Carlos sister), as well as an a capella rendition of Bring Him Home by Grandpa Dong and a crowd-pleasing performance by the Golla brothers. Former Jasper’s Got Talent champion Shawna Woelke also graced the stage with a hoop dance performance.
The night ended with a pair of special performances: one by magician Ryan Michael and another featuring Monika Schaefer and Jonathan Thornton remixing classical tunes as "Beat Bach." There was also a sneak peek at the JJHS drama department's upcoming production of Sweeny Todd.
After the show wrapped up, the judges awarded The Golla Brothers the first place trophy. Second and third place went to Arianne and Abbie Carlos, respectively. Kiara Davis and Grandpa Dong snapped up honourable mentions.
Along with this year’s show, more than 60 silent auction items were also up for grabs, and volunteers dished out popcorn and cookies for a buck.
According to Ann Thomas, one of the event’s organizers, all $4,000 raised at this year’s show will go toward the high school senior band’s trip to New Orleans, happening this May.
The 10-day trip will give students the opportunity to rehearse and perform with a local high school band and experience a number of New Orleans’ most famous attractions.
Trevor Nichols
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