Voice of Vashon’s ‘Voice’ competition names winner

Voice of Vashon’s second singing contest, The Voice (of Vashon), all but filled the Grand Hall at Open Space for Arts and Community on Saturday with fans and family of the 17 brave contestants. The audience chose Maijah Sanson-Frey to win the golden microphone in the 14 to 19 age category. Guido Perla, above, winner in the over 20 age category, captivated judges and audience alike with his smooth baritone rendition of “Jurame” (Spanish for “Promise Me”). As judge Ara Lee put it, “He could have been singing dirty words and it would have been just as romantically compelling.” Other celebrity judges included Dianne Krouse, singer and saxophonist; Arlette Moody, singer and actor; and Jason Staczek, composer.

All four judges reported difficulty narrowing the field of 14 adult singers to four finalists, so they settled on five — Camille Reeves, Jan Lofland, Amy Cole, Chai Ste. Marie and winner Guido Perla. The confluence of island talent and able hosting by Jeff and Cindy Hoyt made it a most entertaining evening of music, laughter and swooning.

VoV thanks Melinda Powers of The Hardware Store Restaurant for her sponsorship of the fundraising event.