For Immediate Release

May 13, 2014
Contact: Laura Huckin, 307-774-5497, huckin@silverstar.com 
Jackson’s SING OFF Winners
Local High School Student Wins Best Performance
 
JACKSON, WY. Cathedral Voices’ SING OFF event, held Thursday, May 8th, was a huge success!  Congratulations to Aspen Jacquet, a sophomore at Jackson Hole High School, for being selected as Best Performance.  1st runner up was Gabriella Castro; 2nd runner up was Ben Medina.  The judges selected the top contestants, and then the audience had the opportunity to “pay to sway” the decision for their favorite contestant.
A surprise flash mob performance of Seasons of Love from the musical Rent, performed by singers from Cathedral Voices and Treble Voices, kicked off the Sing Off event.  To determine performance order, contestant names were drawn at random, just moments before the Sing Off began.  Before contestants took to the stage, the audience was lead in a series of vocal warm-ups; they sighed and sang their numbers, from 1 to 8 with great enthusiasm, helping the contestants prepare for their moment!
“Each contestant did a phenomenal job,” commented Laura Huckin.  “Their passion, their heart and soul were in their performances.  And audiences felt it.”  One of the most heart-warming performances was by Kraig Kobert, who dedicated his song to his wife.  “I pretty much teared up when Kraig made his tribute to Julie – that was incredible” noted Dorothy Jankowsky, an audience member.
At the conclusion of the performances, the audience was able to weigh in and vote for their favorite contestant by “bribing” the judges.  The contestant who received the most bribe money received extra points to their total.  “It was VERY close – a few points made all the difference,” observed Laura Huckin, Artistic Director.
Attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres prepared by Café Genevieve and sweet delectable cupcakes by Persephone Bakery while the final tally of points was being made.  Jon Christensen, a member of The Laff Staff, was emcee for the evening. An impressive array of silent auction items gave everyone a chance to walk away with a prize of their own — for the right price.   “I didn’t know what to expect…” mentioned Rhea Lewis, another Sing Off attendee, “It was fun, entertaining, exciting, and innovative.

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For Immediate Release

May 1, 2014
Contact: Laura Huckin, 307-774-5497, huckin@silverstar.com 
Jackson’s SING OFF Features Local Talent
Six contestants strut their stuff for fundraiser singing competition
JACKSON, WY. Cathedral Voices Chamber Choir is pleased to present the talented contestants for Jackson’s first SING OFF – a fundraiser event on May 8th in the Theater Lobby at the Center for the Arts. Kirsten Farney, Kraig Kobert, Ben Medina, Molly Thorn, and two high school students—Gabriella Castro and Aspen Jacquet—will compete for best performance. Hors d’oeuvres by Café Genevieve, drinks, and a silent auction round-out this exciting evening. One Night Only! Thursday, May 8th – doors open at 6:30 pm for Hors d’oeuvres and silent auction. Sing-off starts at 7:30 pm. $25 suggested donation includes a complimentary beverage. www.cathedralvoices.org.
 
Gabriella Castro is a Junior at Jackson Hole High School and has been singing her whole life. She started at 8 with a production of The Jungle Book and has been hooked ever since. She can be seen today and tomorrow performing the role of Mrs. Tottendale in the high school production of The Drowsy Chaperone.
 
Kirsten Farney was born and raised in Texas, spending much of her childhood in Mexico. In 2012, Kirsten and her husband decided to pack up their lives and move to the last of the West. Kirsten jumped at the opportunity to sing with local salsa/latin jazz band, Calle Mambo. She also sings soprano with Cathedral Voices.
Aspen Jacquet is a Sophomore at Jackson Hole High School and has been singing since she was five years old. Aspen enjoys performing for an audience recently participated in the Jackson Hole High School Drama Department’s musical production of The Drowsy Chaperone.
Kraig Kobert has been a Certified Public Accountant practicing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming since 1978. Kraig has been singing since he was a child, but after his voice changed as an adult, he took a forty year hiatus from singing in public. The Presbyterian Church choir changed that time-out into a rediscovery of his passion.
Ben Medina first started doing theatre in Jackson Hole in 1998 and has been blessed with opportunities to perform across the country since then. Originally from Arizona, he has performed locally with Off Square Theatre Company, the Jackson Hole Playhouse, and Jackson Community Theater.
Molly Moon Thorn – This original Wilsonite began her singing career belting at the top of her lungs while running wild through the woods surrounding her childhood home. Molly currently performs with the Chanman Roots Band, but has also performed with Tram Jam, Calle Mambo, The Jason Fritts Ensemble, and Big Phatty to name a few.
For complete bios, please visit www.cathedralvoices.org
To request an interview, please contact Laura Huckin, 307-774-5497.

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