The music performances, styled as an Ogden’s Got Talent contest, included a grand prize winning performance by Eve Asplund (an 11 year old with pipes like a grand church organ) that brought the audience of nearly 200 to its feet. Ogden’s Got Talent judges, Monty Powell (a Grammy award winning singer songwriter), Anna Wilson (current #1 ranked ITunes Jazz singer and songwriter), and Gary Kelso (the iconic member of Shades of Grey) all agreed that Eve Asplund is a rare talent, but were impressed by all 10 performances, which included folk, rock and roll, blues, flute, didgeridoo and an original piano concerto that brought tears to the eye. Monty Powell said, “The talent in this Valley stuns me. Anna and I are participating in this event not just because it is a wonderful experience, but because we are proud to have made this Valley our winter home.”

The visual arts display, co-curated by Wilkerson Fine Art & Designs’ well known local artists, Stephen Teuscher and Eric Zschiesche, included over 50 original paintings, original bronze sculpture and ceramic sculpture. These were personally hung by Zschiesche and Teuscher with the help of Connie Kenny, transforming the hallways of Valley Elementary School into a first rate gallery.

The dance performances also were extraordinary. There were 14 dances, including African, tap, interpretive, and even a dance/painting performance that ultimately revealed a candle lighted 8”x 6” canvas.

This truly was an Intergenerational event, both in performances and attendees with performers and audience members ranging in age from 3 years to elders in their 80s. Attendance for this year’s festival was over 350 people throughout the evening events.

SPECIAL THANK YOUS:

to Monty Powell & Anna Wilson for their SPECTACULAR performances – as well as their time and efforts in working with the musicians in the initial auditions, and their invaluable assistance in the musical production of this event including sound system set up. Their efforts truly made this year’s event top notch;

to Gary Kelso for his participation in the judging of Ogden Valley’s Got Talent;

to Kevin Parson for his amazing ceramic sculpture which he used in teaching the 3^rd grade class at Valley Elementary and then donated to raise funds for Art Education and Appreciation;

to Deja Mitchell for coordinating the dance performances as well as performing during the event;

to our Masters of Ceremony: Michael Benjamin and Howard Sandilands;

to Dale Myerberg, Grand Champion Yo-Yo Master for his great performances;

to Darryl LaRocque for being a stellar sound technician;

to Tommy Lee, Principal; and Janiel & Mach of Valley Elementary for their extra hours of assistance;

to our participating musicians: Eve Asplund, Sarah Asplund, Loribella Green, Double or Northing; Kevin Koola; Shannon Lowry; Tom Reinerth; Russ Taylor and Patrick Veir;

to our dance performers the Tanner Dance kids; Salt Lake City Tap, directed by Debby Robertson; Jan Knerr, Yda Smith, Melissa Jensen, Tiana White; teens Sierra Bruggink and Liz Jenkins; Jasmin Crosby; Kris Wilkerson; Annika Black; Brenda Bufalino; Honi Coles; Cholly Atkins; and Deja Mitchell;

to the Art of Intention co-curators: Stephen Teuscher, Eric Zschiesche and Connie Kenny;

to our behind the scenes volunteers: Julie Madsen; Michelle Martin; Linda and Mary Porter;

to our festival coordinator: Connie Kenny;

to our sponsors: Free Spirit Mountain Spa; Dottie Becks; Nanci Lifer, Realtor; Old Town Eden; PPR Real Estate; Utah Lodging; Spring Creek Realty; Crowley Gallery and Café; Dragonfly Health Foods; Calute Homes; Shepard Orthodontics; Ace Printing; and Clear Day Capital;

Kris Wilkerson of Wilkerson Fine Art & Design host of the event said, “This event gets better every year, but to improve on the talent we observed this year will be a true challenge.” Kris offered her thanks to the many sponsors and volunteers that generously gave financial support and hard work. She reminds everyone that this event was and is a fund raiser for Art Education and Appreciation in our local schools. 100% of all proceeds and donations go directly to our local schools, which are in desperate need of funding for the arts. Checks can be made to OV Music & Arts Festival c/o Kris Wilkerson, P O Box 567, Huntsville, UT 84317.