Each of the four Sundays of January has been Lake Region's Got Talent competition here in Bridgton, Maine. Held at the local high school, it is more than a local talent show. Competitors from New Hampshire to suburban Portland participated, and I was one of them. My juggling routines from the earlier weeks had landed me in the championship round Sunday, and the whole process was a highlight of my career.
Most of the competitors were young, like 20 and under young. In fact, in the finals, I was the only one out of high school, and I've been out of high school since 1979. But these young people were not only talented, they were so nice. They encouraged each other, greeted me warmly, and never once did I hear "Okay, Boomer." One guy, an 18 year old guitarist named Nick, was especially friendly, and I turned him on to the music of Noah Gundersen, of whom he reminded me. M 15 year old magician named Sam and I talked shop quite a bit as well.
This warm environment was certainly present the Sunday of the finals, but everyone was also more focused. There wasn't as much chatter and high jinx, as much due to nerves as to the faster pace of the whole event. Nonetheless, we all encouraged each other back stage and had some fun.
I performed a glow in the dark routine to the Newsboys song "Shine". It was a risky choice for me as I have not performed that routine regularly for years, although it did resurface each summer at camp with varying degrees of success. In the end, I must admit I nailed it, and the audience in Lakes Region High School responded vigorously. I was the last contestant of the show, so then we could all final go into the auditorium to wait with our friends and family for the results. During this time, previous years contestants entertained. I know many of the teens were nervous waiting for results, but if anything, I was relieved. I was done for the day and had a performance that I was proud of. Certainly, I'd accept the $500 first prize if given, but I was content either way.
In the end, I came in second and received a $300 prize. A 15 year old sophomore who sang an original song and played keyboards won, and it was well deserved. Third went to a freshman dancer who I thought had a chance at first. You never know how the judges will vote.
As Sue and I left the school, carrying my check, a bouquet and second place plaque, I had one more brief moment to say good-bye to Nick and encourage him to keep writing. I have not planned if I'll compete next year or not, as it's a long way off, but the memories of this past month of performing and interacting with so many talent ( mostly) young people will stay with me forever.