Carlsbad’s got teen talent

CARLSBAD — There is no shortage of talent in North County and Carlsbad’s teens showed what they were made of at the library’s annual Teen Talent Show on Aug. 5.
Supporters packed the Dove Library’s Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Lane, as 12 teens performed a variety of acts ranging from piano pieces to magic tricks. It was the last of three events highlighting teen talent at the library this summer.
“It’s a really cool community event,” said Jim Jensen, who attended to support his daughter Samantha. “It’s special to have this type of event open to the public and teens.”
Singer Samantha Jensen won first place for her rendition of “Temporary Home” by Carrie Underwood. Adam Abadilla secured second place with an arrangement of contemporary songs on piano, and singer/guitarist Patrick VanZandt placed third for his original piece, “Miss You.”
“I would come and play even if it wasn’t a competition,” VanZandt said. He plays around North County with his brother Benji in their band, Zip Zap.
Other acts included Jeffrey Lee on piano playing “Variations on Canon” by George Winston and impressive magic tricks performed by Nathan Chang. Carey Pickford Jr. — the cool juggler — had the crowd in awe as he juggled knives, balls and a plunger.
“This is the best — it’s so exciting and we love coming to perform here,” said Elianna Dowe, who danced an Irish Hornpipe at the event. She hopes to compete internationally.
Volunteer judges Judith Schumacher, Jennifer Carabba and Sibylla Voll scored the performances based on entertainment value, originality, showmanship, talent and crowd response.
“These aren’t little kids, they’re really talented,” Carabba said. She was excited to participate and judge the event for the third time.
First-place winner Samantha Jensen took home the grand prize, a $100 Visa card. Through support from the Carlsbad Friends of the Library, all event participants were given a $5 gift card to Barnes and Noble.
While the annual event was just one stop on a performance circuit for several of the contestants, everyone was enthusiastic about competing for the fun of it.
“This is the highlight of their summer,” Elizabeth Dowe said of her three daughters. In addition to Elianna’s dance, Dowe’s other daughters Mica and Juliette also performed a Traditional Irish Reel.
To participate, contestants had to be teens from seventh grade to 19 years old. The event was organized and emceed by Darin Williamson, the library’s teen services coordinator.