Rusty Wier contest, Rd 1 Wk 1

Mary Jane Farmer | January 7, 2019 | Reply

Brett Dillon (left) making introductions.

Story and photos by Mary Jane Farmer. For more photos, available on Flickr, click on the link below.

Seven of the 28 people now competing for the grand prizes in the 9^th yearly Rusty Wier singer/songwriter challenge competed Sunday (Jan. 6, 2019) on the Love & War in Texas patio stage.

Those seven were Matt Johntson, Zach Pohl, Justion Cashion, Reid Perry, Skylar Heart Teague, Larry Martin, and Boomer Lowrie.

Boomer Lowrie

The eighth scheduled to perform, Mitchell Ferguson, let coordinator Brett Dillon know he was stuck at home ill. Dillon said he would have Ferguson compete in one of the two following Sunday sets.

Each person delivered four original songs, ranging from slow ballads to upbeat honky tonk with some appreciative spiritual and humorous songs thrown in. No matter the genre, each artist presented songs that engaged the crowd. The applause for each was beyond ‘polite,’ showing true enthusiasm for what the audience was hearing.

Matt Johnston

One of the most complimentary poses seen often on stage was one artist sitting and listening intently while his song-swap partner presented his songs, and then clapping along for those others with the crowd. Respectful and appreciative of and for each other’s talent.

It was perhaps Boomer who brought the most people in with him, but each artist quickly turned heads when singing.

Skylar said it best when she posted, later in the evening, “Thank you so much (and here she listed so many people), and so many other people for being there today. Whether you were a fan, a

Larry Martin

fellow competitor, a judge, or were there for any other reason, we all appreciated your presence!”

Next Sunday, January 13, it’s HarleyDale

Brown, Dave Thomas, James Lann, Troy James,

Rio King, Ray White, Byron Dowd, and Shelby Ballenger; of course with the possibility that Mitchell Ferguson also being on stage. This competition begins at 4 pm each Sunday of the contest, and there is no charge for spectators. Love & War in Texas is on the NE corner of Plano Parkway and U.S. Highway 75, and there’s plenty of parking. They also serve incredible food — save your appetite until you get there — would be this writer’s suggestion!

Reid Perry, listening

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