Raquel

The 2nd week of the 5th yearly Rusty Wier singer/songwriter challenge proved to be just as challenging as the 1st week did. Twelve more contestants, 12 of the 37 making it into this year’s event out of more than 60 who tried out for it, hit the Love & War in Texas (Plano) stage with the fervor of most Texas-based musicians, along with the ‘let’s win’ attitude of best friends in the music world.

Competing in groups of three, and with each one singing three original songs, were: Group 1 — Charley Smith, Jud Block, Alex Lease; Group 2 — Raquel Nguyen(Wynne), Bryan Adam Joyner, Larry Martin; Group 3 — Byron Dowd, Nathan Whitney, Matt Johnston; Group 4 — Mike Schikora, Chad Purdom, and Town Walsh.

These earned scores from judges Brett Dillon (also the organizer and with KHYI), Trisha Aker (Rusty Wier’s love), and Roger Russell (Dallas Songwriters Association), who also serves as sound man for the contest. They were not just competing against each other, but competed against all others in Round 1. Those with the best combined scores from all judges will move into Round 2.

It was the first time several musicians had become involved in this annual event, and for others, it was a repeat experience. Town Walsh said he has been involved since the very beginning, and does it for the brotherhood. Walsh and his co-musicians in the 4th group, Mike Schikora and Chad Purdom, brought to life the ‘let’s all win while having fun’ attitude, backing each other up on guitars and laughter, especially when Purdom changed carts in the middle of the stream… rather, changed instruments in the middle of the song.

The surprise voice of this week was Nguyen’s (Wynne), rich and full and powerful. She played both guitar and keyboards. And Colorado Mike had the 36th song of the night, and accented it with fun, drama and animation. Good images and similes and emotions in many of the songs brought to the stage.

Next Sunday (Jan. 4 at 4 p.m.), the contest continues at Love & War in Texas, which is at the northeast corner of Plano Parkway and U.S. 75 in Plano, with the final 12-some in Round 1. No cover charge for these contests. Dress warm, tho there are heaters inside the now-enclosed Rusty Wier back patio. - Scene In Town (Mary Jane Farmer)