Duane Hicks
There ain’t no cure for the summertime blues like an annual dose of “Quest for the Best.”
The perennially-popular singing competition, once again being held in conjunction with the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, is set for Friday, July 21 under the big tent at the Sorting Gap Marina.
It marks one of the biggest events of the year for the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce–and a highlight of the summer for many area residents looking for a fun night out.
“It’s a huge event; it’s really well-attended,” enthused Chamber executive director Jennifer Soderholm, noting it’s consistently popular and a couple of years ago drew more than 900 people.
“And it’s a chance to see the local talent that’s out there.
“These participants are phenomenal,” added Soderholm, noting that sometimes participants are well-known for their vocal talents while others are people whom others didn’t even know could sing and when they perform, “they blow you away.”
“Quest” also tends to draw participants hailing from several generations.
“You’re not just going to get young kids, you’re not just going to get middle-aged people, you’re not just getting people in their 20s,” Soderholm stressed.
“You’re getting a wide range of everything.
“And it’s not just rock ‘n roll–we’ve had country,” she added.
“Last year we even had a grunge singer.”
Past “Quests” also have had rappers and metalheads compete.
“You never know what you’re going to get but it always ends up being such an amazing evening,” lauded Soderholm.
“It really does.”
This year’s lineup of 17 contestants includes:
•Kristina Robertson–“Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler;
•Dennis Morrisseau–“Amazed” by Lonestar;
•Orville Councillor–“Photograph” by Ed Sheeran;
•Mystery Man–“Fight for Your Right to Party” by Beastie Boys;
•Waylon Smith–“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison;
•Alex Denby–“Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin;
•Adrian Indian–“Garden of Eden” by John Cafferty
•Dave Miller–“Gitarzan” by Ray Stevens;
•Joey Payeur–“Three Wooden Crosses” by Randy Travis;
•Dylan Ossachuk–TBD;
•John Yerxa–“Wild Side” by Motley Crue;
•Socorro Galusha–“Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton;
•Shawn Galusha–“Kill All the Whales,” an original tune by Shawn Galusha;
•Sammy Stone–“Scars to Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara;
•Elizabeth Allan–“Wild Thing” by The Troggs;
•Bryan Ribey–“Renegade” by Styx; and
•Brianna Eldridge–“Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles.
As in past years, the contestants will compete in two sets, with the top singers from each set ultimately facing off with a climactic “Battle Song” to determine the grand prize winner.
There also will be prizes given out for first- and second-place for each set, People’s Choice, Dark Horse Award, Show Stopper Award, Rookie Award, Band’s Choice Award, and Audience Response Award.
The community support for “Quest” has been “phenomenal” over the years, said Soderholm.
She noted “Quest” often ends up being quite the social event, too, with audience members of all ages running into old friends and acquaintances they haven’t seen in years.
“We’ve had people up dancing in the past couple years; we’ve had people singing along in the audience at the top of their lungs, just partying along with the performers,” she recalled.
Tickets cost $15 each, which are available at the Chamber office (240 First St. E.), From the Grind Up, and Northwoods Gallery & Gifts.
VIP tickets, which cost $20 each, are available at the Chamber office only.
These are tickets for assigned seating at tables of eight–complete with an unobstructed view of the stage, snacks, and a table top to put your drink on while you enjoy the show.
Doors open at 7 p.m., with singers taking the stage around 7:30 and finishing up by 11.
Soderholm urged everyone to come on out on July 21.
“It’s an amazingly fun time with live music,” she enthused.
“It’s a great way to spend a summer evening and support our local talent.”
