The Catskill Chronicle

Story and photos by Carol Montana

LIBERTY, NY – Anyone who wondered why there was a tent in the parking lot of the Colonial Square Mall on June 25, needed only to tune their radio to 102 FM to find out.

The local country music station known as Thunder 102 was sponsoring the Colgate Country Showdown, “America’s #1 Country Music Talent Search.”

In its 29-year history, the Colgate Country Showdown has had a hand in the careers of: Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Brad Paisley and many others. 

Over 450 local shows take place around the country, followed by more than 45 state finals, five regional finals, and a national final. Grand Prize is $100,000 and, of course, the National Title.

This year, Thunder 102 decided to hold the event in the parking lot next to their studio on Route 52 in Liberty, and simulcast it on the radio. So morning show host, Paul Ciliberto of “Ciliberto and Friends,” was the host, while Mike Sakell of “Sakell in the Afternoon” ran the controls, while eight different acts competed to be the next country music superstar.

And speaking of friends, lots of people turned out to watch and cheer on their favorite singer.

Performers included: Erin Slaver and Her Pop’s Country Band who performed an original song called “Rushin’ to the Trains”; Tonya Sahlstrom sang the Patsy Cline classic “Crazy”; TJ Sacco performed “In Color” (Jamie Johnson); Nicole DiCarlo sang “I Hope You Dance” (Leeann Womack); 17-year old Anna Rose Mongiello entertained with “Jesus Take the Wheel” (Carrie Underwood); 13-year-old Rheanna Fiddle sang “Broken” (Lindsey Haun); 10-year-old Mikki Zip performed “The Climb” (Miley Cyrus); and 12-year-old Madison TerBoss sang “Undo It” (Carrie Underwood).

After each song, morning host Paul Ciliberto interviewed the performer, giving the judges time to fill out the scoring sheets. Contestants were judged on five categories: Marketability in Country Music, Vocal/Instrumental Ability, Originality of Performance, Stage Presence/Charisma, and Talent. Additional points could be awarded for original songwriting.

Even some of the judges were local celebrities: Matt McNeil, Sr. Director of Sales and Programming at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts; Big John Davis from the country music band Iron Cowboy; Alan Keston, owner of Yellow Cab; Kevin Dowdell, Director of Sales and Marketing for Villa Roma Resort; and Lynn Reich, Marketing and Community Development Coordinator for Crystal Run Healthcare.

Once the performances were over and the score sheets tallied, Ciliberto announced TJ Sacco as the local winner. Sacco will go on to the New York State final being held at the Peek’n Peak Fall Fest on October 16 in Clymer, NY in Chautauqua County.

To see more photos from the Colgate Country Showdown visit The Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio