Just one day before her 13th birthday, Courtney Klawuhn of Marysville competed in the Singers' Showdown, a singing competition sponsored by the Hometown Hootenanny. Her soulful rendition of LeAnn Rimes' "Blue" earned her first place in the Under-16 category, with a prize that included $200 and a chance to perform with the Hometown Band at a future Hootenanny.

On Saturday, April 14, Courtney will take the stage with the band to perform two songs that fit the show's theme of Southern Comfort-"Who'll Stop the Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival and "When Will I Be Loved" by Linda Ronstadt.

Courtney, who attends Cedarcrest Middle School, is a poised and confident performer and a talented vocalist who earned praise from the professional musicians in the Hometown Band after her rehearsal with them.

She competed in last year's Strawberry Festival talent show, where she caught the eye of Hootenanny producer Beckye Randall.

"I encouraged her to enter the Singers' Showdown last summer, and we're all glad she did," said Randall. "It's great to discover these talented young singers and help provide some guidance and opportunities for them to learn and grow."

The April 14 Hootenanny will focus on southern rock crossover artists, with songs by Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers and Pure Prairie League among others. In addition to the Hometown Band and Courtney, performers include another Singers' Showdown winner, Kate Olson, plus Hootenanny regulars Marcia Kester and Britta Grass.

The Hometown Hootenanny is presented at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Avenue in Everett, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, priced at $16.50 for adults, $13 for seniors, students and military personnel, and $5 for kids 12 and under, are available at the theatre box office, (425) 258-6766, or at www.brownpapertickets.com. Purchase tickets at the door beginning one hour prior to showtime.

blog comments powered by Disqus