The Orion Online

Issue date: 11/12/08 Section: Online Exclusives

Nov. 13, 2008

The best of the best is all that performed Wednesday night at Woodstock's Pizza.

Young, aspiring artists came together to participate in the Wild Oak Songwriters Guild Competition.

It began at 6 p.m., and it wasn't long for the reserved tables to fill up. The relaxed atmosphere made it hard to recognize that the event was a competition.

Wild Oak Music Group has been helping young minds broadcast their talent in Chico for years. The Wild Oak Songwriters Guild Competition was a search for the top three most talented individuals or duos in Chico, but every individual had talent, making it a tough decision.

Jeb Draper was among the talented musicians. He writes songs from his experiences. His first song called "Lady in the Lake" was about a dream he had, he said .

"I had the dream about a year ago," Draper said. "I woke up and couldn't get it out of my head. After 15 minutes I started playing it and recorded it."

Draper's toned voice went well with his guitar. It was easy to see why he plays solo.

He was recently in a band for about six months, but things fell through. He talked about the benefits of being a solo songwriter and how easily bands fall apart for various reasons.

"I've had bands that have lasted one show," Draper said.

There was a variety of talent throughout all of the singers, but some stood out above the rest.

Jeanette Hawkins was among those few.

She began playing the guitar and singing when she was 11-years-old. Now, at 23, she has a strong voice and flows with the guitar.

Hawkins is a junior at Chico State and has performed at a variety of venues in Chico. She just recently started a band with some friends from high school called the "Jeanette Hawkins band."

"That's just what we call our band for now, she said. "We've only been around for about four months."

Hawkins is just one of the many anxious contestants.

Encouraging cheers were shouted to each songwriter as they finished.

Allie Collar was one of the supporting friends within the crowd. Her friends were supposed to be a trio but the competition only allowed for two contestants to perform. Their group is called "Taryn and the Willows" and consists of Taryn, the main vocalist, and two boys named Will.

"I met them when I came to Chico," Collar said. "I've been friends with them since the beginning of this year."

Chico is full of talent and young minds with potential, and the Wild Oak Music Group knows just how to pick them.

Kyndrah can be reached at
kcarson@theorion.com

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