COTTAGE GROVE – From soulful originals to powerful covers, the Tappin’ Talent finale on July 23 at the Axe and Fiddle celebrated the essence of music and artistry, culminating in the crowning of its standout star.
With 30 years in advertising and over 20 years supporting musicians, Cottage Grove’s Jennifer Davis of Breaking Free Media was tasked by Tallman Brewery to create a local version of American Idol across five cities.
The competition first kicked off in Lebanon, home to Tallman Brewery, followed by Axe and Fiddle. Tappin’ Talent awarded over $14,000 in cash and donated prizes from local businesses to performers.
The first-place winner was Michelle Ohwobete, who just graduated with a master’s degree in economics from the University of Oregon. Ohwobete won the grand prize of $500 cash, professional headshots, and 20 hours of studio recording time, in addition to other prizes totaling over $3,400 in value.
Known for her diverse vocal repertoire, Ohwobete captivated the audience at the Axe with her renditions of R&B and pop covers. Balancing her academic responsibilities and athletic commitments, she said, she also has always made time to pursue her passion for singing.
“Music is very much a way of life,” she said.
Ohwobete grew up singing in choir, took voice lessons in college, and plays guitar and piano. She will be moving back to California in August to pursue a career as a professional volleyball player.
While she has no scheduled performances slated, she remains open to last-minute singing opportunities and plans to record her music in the future with the help of her prizes.
Second-place winner
Rich McCloud from Turner took second place. He entered the first Tappin’ Talent competition in Lebanon and was a finalist, performing soul and hip-hop originals and covers, which earned him a studio contract.
“We were all great, but my original songwriting, energy, style, the way I present it – I think they feel what I emote in my singing. … They tell me I have a way of bringing people in and keeping their attention,” McCloud said.
The prizes McCloud won include $300 in cash, professional headshots, and gift cards totaling $1,700 in value.
McCloud has upcoming performances to keep him busy in addition to his full-time job as a stay-at-home dad of five.
He will be performing Aug. 23 at Tap Tap PDX from 6-8:30 p.m. with an acoustic trio from the Rich McCloud Band. On Sept. 12, he will be performing from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Salem Art Fair with his band.
Third-place winner
“It was one of the best talent shows I have been a part of, and I have done a couple of these things over the years,” said Ben Helliwell, of Glide, who won third place for his musical talent.
“I haven’t picked up my guitar in a long time … I want to play music again. I thought this dream was lost. I put it on a shelf. It is fun to get back into it,” Helliwell said.
Helliwell, a singer-songwriter, showcased his original songs “Watching Over Me” and “In the Arms of the Lord,” along with two cover pieces. He was awarded a recording contract for one of his songs, professional headshots, $100 in cash, gift certificates from various local businesses, and additional prizes valued at approximately $1,500.
“Playing music has always been a passion of mine, and I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to share it with all the phenomenal people that competed and supported this whole thing,” he said.
Helliwell performed at Coho Pizza in Glide on July 26, but is hanging up his guitar in exchange for his firefighter hat through mid-September. He is a “hotshot” crew member, which are highly trained, fit, and considered an “elite” wildland firefighting teams that handle complex and dangerous wildfire incidents.
Other finalists include Geoffrey Koch, Jake Nacrelli, Cameron Barton, and Samantha Perez.
Sarina Dorie is the arts writer for The Chronicle.
