XX COUNTRY SHOWDOWN A BIG WIN FOR MUSIC IN LASSEN COUNTY
Robert Clark and Anthony Vairetta perform at XX Country Showdown
By Debra Hasbrouck
Photos by: Shelly Thornton
What do seven local country music acts have in common with the likes of Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley and Sara Evans? At some point in time they all were contestants in The Country Showdown. Considered America’s “largest and longest running Country Music talent search,” the competition awards their national winner with a Grand Prize of $100,000 and the title of “Best New Act in Country Music.”
The search begins at the local level, sometime in the spring, with contests sponsored by radio stations all across the country. Winners of the first level go on to their state competition, and if successful advance to the regional finals. There are five regions (West, Southwest, Midwest, Southeast and Northeast) which each send their winner to the National Final Show held in January.
Huth Broadcasting’s 100.7 KGXX, (Double X Country) hosted the local Country Showdown on July 16th at the Lassen County Fair in Susanville.
“It was our first year doing it and a lot of work, but well worth it. The show was fun and a great success,” said Catlin Bellah, general manager of the radio station, who coordinated, directed and was Master of Ceremonies for the event. “It was also very exciting that the fair board agreed to donate a portion of every ticket sold to the Music Boosters, benefitting Lassen High’s Music Program. I believe keeping music in the schools is so important!”
The evening started with the Lake 4-H Club presenting the flag and Jenell Alward, a former Lassen High Choir student, singing the National Anthem. Entertaining performances were given by the Susanville City Kickettes, Lassen High Cheerleading Team, Best of Broadway and House of Dance.
Seven talented contestants competed in the Country Showdown, two of which were duos and one was a band, consisting of five members who are all from Susanville.
“Every contestant did a great job and brought something special to the competition,” said Catlin.
The winners of the Double X Country Showdown and $1,000 prize were Robert Clark and Anthony Vairetta. The duo also received an additional $250 for “Best Original Song” with their song titled, “Troublesome.” Although they currently live in Reno, both were once Susanville locals.
Robert, who was born and raised in Susanville, claims the best advice he ever received about performing came from his Grandpa who told him, “not to go at it like he was killing snakes.”
Anthony lived in Susanville for many years and still visits family there. He states that while on stage he continually thinks, “Please don’t trip. Please don’t trip.”
Both have pursued music from a young age and are talented musicians. Robert started playing saxophone in the fourth grade and Anthony says his father “put a guitar in his hands” when he was four years-old.
“Northern California teamed up with Oregon for the state final,” explained Catlin, “so the next stop for Robert and Anthony is Coos Bay, Oregon on September 19th.”
Coming in second and winning $250, was Kayla Nettles accompanied by Scott Coldren. The youngest contestant, twelve year-old Kyrstlynn Bishop, is from Cottonwood, where she recently was “lucky enough” to combine her two loves – music and horses, by performing The National Anthem while participating as rodeo queen.
Other Double X Country Showdown participants were Melissa Deanda, Abigael Downing, Jessica Scrogin and the band “Lassen County Line.” The back-up band for the night was “Westbound 50” from Sacramento.
All contestants should be encouraged by words from former participant, Garth Brooks. On the Country Showdown Facebook page Garth admits that he, “was in it a couple times and never got past the first level.” He goes on to say, “Winning this thing is great, but just because you don’t win it, well…doesn’t mean you can’t do this for a living.”
If Robert and Anthony make it to the end, it would be an amazing accomplishment. Whether or not they advance past the next level, just being a part of the competition should be an exciting and rewarding experience. For music fans, it would be fun to track the progress of the two local musicians, as well as other contestants around the country who might be from little towns just like Susanville.
It’s inspiring to see a successful “grass roots” contest that starts with a community event and offers an opportunity for local artists to work their way up to performing on a prestigious national show…not to mention a chance to win the Grand Prize of $100,000.
The National Finals will be held in January 2016 and the televised show will air sometime next spring. Dates will be posted on The Country Showdown Facebook page and website, where you can also follow contestants on the “Road to Finals.” If interested in becoming a contestant next year, information will be posted at www.countryshowdown.com in the early part of 2016.
When in the Susanville vicinity, you can tune into Double X Country at 100.7 FM where you can catch Catlin’s show, “Cat in the Afternoon” from two to six o’clock, Monday through Friday. You can also check out the Double X Country Facebook page where they will update the progress of Robert and Anthony.