Hanks Open Mic Competition Finals, 12/28/11
Story and pix by Mary Jane Farmer
After weeks of numerous musicians vying for spots on Hank’s Texas Grill’s prestigious stage, Wednesday night (Dec. 28, 2011) it all boiled down to the final eight performers, and at the end of the night, Kyle Thompson of McKinney, who performed a mix of Christian praise and worship songs with his own originals, took the top honor, giving him and his band a couple of weekend gigs at the McKinney venue. Not far behind him, point wise, was Tyler Rogers, who now will be performing on an upcoming Thursday night.
Kyle Thompson
Taking third place, with a $100 gift certificate to enjoy Hank’s great food, was Travis Parker (Simecek) of Ravenna in Fannin County, and fourth place prize of a $50 gift certificate was Byron Dowd.
Giving these four a strong last-minute run for the goal post were Bryan Burns. Kyle Brooks, Kyle Dunlap, and Bryan Adam Joyner.
The last night’s competition allowed each performer to sing two songs, but those were divided into two trips on stage. For instance, Bryan Adam Joyner opened with his two songs, and others followed with Tyler Rogers completing that round. Then, in the second round, Rogers kicked it off and Joyner performed last.
There have been different judges each night, with Ronnie Scott taking care of all the details. Aubrey Lynn England, last year’s winner, helped and they both performed on stage during the few short breaks.
Hank’s hosts open mic every Wednesday, and has regionally favorite and outstanding bands onstage Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The club/restaurant is already scheduling it’s third year competition for December 2012. Get ready!
Even with the U.S. 75 construction going on, Hank’s is easy to find, being at the southeast corner of U.S. 75 and White Street (or is that avenue?) For more information on Hanks’ Texas Grill, click here: Hank’s Texas Grill
Tyler Rogers pix
Bryan Burns pix
Kyle Dunlop pix
Byron Dowd pix
Kyle Thompson pix
Travis Parker pix
Kyle Brooks pix
Byron Dowd, Bryan Burns. Bryan Joyner, Kyle Brooks, Kyle James Dunlap, Kyle Thompson, Tyler Rogers, and Travis Parker Simecek — 8 p.m., Entertainers competition, finals, Hank’s Texas Grill, McKinney
Category: Earlier Posts, Hank's Texas Grill
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