GLASSES HIGH -- The crowd at Willew salutes Travis Paten during his rendition of the Garth Brooks classic, "Friends in Low Places." Paten wowed the crowd with his boots, hat, belt buckle and strong performance. (MyBayCity Photo by O.J. Cunningham)

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Willew's Michigan Idol Singing Competition Is Great Entertainment

February 5, 2012
By: O. J. Cunningham

Three weeks into the Michigan Idol competition at Willew and the level of performance by the singers has the judges a little bit worried.

"One thing sure," said judge David Bernreuter (Public Relations Director for Steel Wheels band) midway through Wednesday night's performances, "This is definitely not going to be easy to pick just one of these singers and say they're the best."

Judge Bruce LaFrance echoed Bernreuter's sentiments. "The talent level seems to keep rising every week," said LaFrance, a professional band performer, himself. "I think they (performers) know what the judges are looking for and they're trying to deliver."

WILLEW PERFORMERS -- February 1, 2012 - PODCAST ABOVE - ((L/R) -- Jada Archer, Lacy Gibson, Marty Hofelich, Brian Rex, Travis Paten and Amanda Glashauser. (MyBayCity Photos by O. J. Cunningham)

WILLEW PERFORMERS -- February 1, 2012 - PODCAST ABOVE - ((L/R) -- Jesse Fisher, Fred Waibel, Stephanie Petrimoulx, Adam Simmons, Renee Pawloski and Allie Shermetaro. (MyBayCity Photos by O. J. Cunningham)

From Johnny Cash to Alicia Keyes along with a dash of Joan Jett as well as a flashback tribute to Dionne and the Belmonts (60's), the singer/performers were at the top of their game all night.

Willew owner Scott MacKenzie also agreed with the judges' as far as the performances were concerned. "This is a talented group of young performers," MacKenzie said. "I'm really impressed with the way they are working the crowd and trying to get everybody involved." Competition continues for ten weeks . . . ending on March 15, 2012.

"Top prize is a 50"+ Big Screen TV plus games and a game player," Sharrow pointed out. "There's still time to enter," Sharrow said. "Come on down to the Willew on Wednesday and check it out."

KARAOKE AFTER HOURS -- The fun continues after the competition on Wednesday night at Willew Lounge on Midland Road at Two Mile Road in Bay City. LastChoiceCountry's Shawn Doyle spins the hits until closing time. Pictured above "Kicking It" are (L/R) Fred Waibel, Tim Paten, Terry Senay, Adam Dore and Travis Paten. (Yeeeeeeee Haw!!) (MyBayCity Photo by O. J. Cunningham)

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