One of the more popular night-time events during the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, tickets for “Quest for the Best” and “Kiddie Quest” went on sale today at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce office on Scott Street.
And given the annual talent showcase often is a sold-out event drawing about 2,000 people from around the district, organizers are encouraging those wanting to attend to get their tickets as soon as possible.
“We always encourage people to get them sooner than later, but that’s not always the case in Fort Frances,” long-time organizer Dawn Booth said this morning, adding those who do get their tickets early save a few bucks.
Tickets cost $12 in advance (exclusively at the Chamber office) and $15 at the door (if there are any still left).
This year’s “Quest” is slated for Tuesday, July 25 under the big tent at the Sorting Gap Marina. “Kiddie Quest” will take the stage at 6 p.m., with “Quest” to follow.
“It will be a full night of entertainment,” Booth promised, adding the music won’t stop until around 10 p.m.
This year’s “Quest” will see 16 entries, including one duet, while “Kiddie Quest” is sporting a full lineup of 10.
The “Quest” lineup, which features competitors aged 14 and up, is a blend of newcomers, fan favourites, and past winners. They include (in alphabetical order):
•Ed Calder Jr.—“Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash;
•Robert Geerken— “My Woman, My Woman, My Wife” by Marty Robbins;
•Jason Godin—“Smokin’ in the Boys’ Room” by Mötley Crüe;
•Brittany Hayes—“Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin;
•Sarah Hebert—“Alone” by Heart;
•Ken Kellar—“Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls;
•Lisa McPherson—“Now and Then Girl” by A is A;
•Kim McQuaker— “Black Horse & The Cherry Tree” by KT Tunstall;
•Kayla Lauzon—“All Coming Back To Me Now” by Celine Dion;
•Leah Nowak—“Something’s Going to Give” by LeAnn Rimes
•Dennis Ogilvie—“On The Way Down” by Ryan Cabrera;
•Jenna Plante—“When The Stars Go Blue” by Tyler Hilton;
•Sandra Ruttan—“(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” by Bryan Adams;
•Carly Stromberg—“There’ll Be You” by Faith Hill;
•Jeremy Wilson and Michael McCaig—“Cortez the Killer” by Neil Young; and
•Trisha Wilson—“Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles.
Meanwhile, “Kiddie Quest,” is a singing contest for those 13 or younger which debuted just last year. This year’s contestants include:
•Chelsea Carlson—“Can’t Fight the Moonlight” by LeAnn Rimes;
•Kienna Gillon—“Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver;
•Jennifer Harris “Whenever, Wherever” by Shakira;
•Amber Hoszowski—“I’m Gonna Get You” by Shania Twain;
•Bridget Jorgenson—“No One” by Ally & A.J.;
•Erika Jourdain—“Jesus, Take The Wheel” by Carrie Underwood;
•Melanie Scott—“Fall to Pieces” by Avril Lavigne;
•Gina Servello—“Don’t Forget to Remember Me” by Carrie Underwood;
•Ericka Tymkin—“Someone’s Watching Over Me” by Hillary Duff; and
•Jessica Whalen—“California Girls” by Gretchen Wilson.
As well, last year’s “Quest” winner, Courtney Jourdain, and “Kiddie Quest” champ Katelyn Shortreed, will be back to perform one song each.
Jourdain will sing The Dixie Chicks’ “Not Ready to Make Nice” while Shortreed is scheduled to do “Walk Away” by Kelly Clarkson.
“Quest” will be emceed by B93•FM morning show hosts Mike Alan and Shawn Gilmore.
“The Faculty,” comprised of Rob Donaldson, Chris Denby, Steve Denby, and Jim Newman, will return as the back-up band this year.