By Satina Tolman
For The New Era
SHOCASE brought back its annual gala Saturday, April 11, at the Sweet Home High School auditorium, offering an evening of elegance and high-caliber performances as local artists paid tribute to musical legends.
Before the program began, Sweet Home High School student Obie Christmas serenaded the audience with a flute performance that set the tone for the evening.
The New Era’s own Scott Swanson opened the show at the grand piano with Duke Ellington’s “Mood Indigo.” Swanson, who began playing at age 8 under his mother’s instruction, said most of his performances have been at his church. Still, he appreciated the opportunity to share his talent with the broader community.
SHOCASE board member Ward Christman performed twice during the evening, lending his smooth bass-baritone voice to tributes to Frank Sinatra’s “Summer Wind” and Elvis Presley’s “Love Me.” A former Elvis impersonator, Christman first delivered Sinatra with a relaxed, rhythmic sway, then later returned with signature hip shakes and a curled lip, channeling his inner Elvis.
The contrasting performances showcased both his vocal range and his ability to embody the style of each legendary artist.
High school student Ember Ogden performed Barbra Streisand’s “Smile,” accompanied on piano by her sister, Kelly Johnson. The sisters delivered a graceful performance, and Ogden’s blue eyes sparkled even more brightly than the sequins on her evening gown.
Ogden, appearing in her third gala, said her favorite part of the event is hearing the variety of performers. Johnson, who has played piano for 17 years, traveled from Newberg to accompany her sister.
Although only 21, Dakota Harris displayed the stage presence of a seasoned performer. Playing his guitar, he honored Hank Williams Sr. with “Hey, Good Lookin’.”
He later returned to the stage for two back-to-back performances in contrasting styles, first delivering Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” with his own flair, then shifting to Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.”
In the latter, Harris sounded strikingly similar to Armstrong, using a gravelly tone that closely matched the jazz legend’s signature voice. He even mimicked a saxophone solo vocally, drawing visible amazement from audience members.
Harris, who lives in Eugene, said he enjoys singing blues and country and frequently performs Elvis Presley songs. He was discovered by organizer Shirley Austin when he won last summer’s Tallman Brewery Tap and Talent event in Lebanon.
Melody Jordan, a local favorite, performed three songs during the evening. Strumming her guitar and smiling brightly, she paid tribute to Patsy Cline with “Walking After Midnight” and Stevie Nicks’ “Dreams.” The self-proclaimed “Swiftie” closed out the show with Taylor Swift’s “Our Song.”
“Walking After Midnight” held special meaning for her, Jordan said. “As a kid, my dad had his pedal steel set up in the living room and would practice daily. It’s a song he played frequently, so there’s a special connection to it. Plus, I only learned the chords a few days prior and enjoyed the challenge of performing it live.”
The 2025 SHOCASE Showdown Talent Show winners, Amanda Wilde and guitarist Buzzy Strings, returned to the stage to pay tribute to Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee.”
The pair has also performed at several events organized by Shirley Austyn, including programs for her nonprofit, the Opening Act Foundation, at the VFW hall and other local venues. Wilde and Strings are members of the band Blue Collar Jesus, which is set to release a new song titled “Happens All the Time” on April 24.
Matthew Stalheim, a third-generation Sweet Home resident, served as announcer for the evening, his smooth voice filling the auditorium as he introduced each performer and the musical legend being honored.
He also stepped into the spotlight with an emotional rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Man in Black.” With eyes closed, listeners could easily imagine Cash himself on stage, as Stalheim’s deep bass-baritone captured the iconic sound. Stalheim said his love for Cash began with storytelling. “It started as tales,” he said.
“Songs from that time, folk songs and old country, were sung from the heart, and I think that’s the point of music, to be moved. As a young kid, it was like story time listening to these greats.”
Kathy Scheele’s lively personality and distinctive soprano made her a natural fit for Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” She delivered the song with a hint of Parton’s velvet warble and a pronounced Appalachian-style twang. This marked Scheele’s fourth appearance in the gala. Austyn first discovered her talent during a karaoke contest she entered with her mother and has encouraged her to perform ever since.
Scheele said she loves “everything” about the gala and credited Austyn for her continued support. “I love Shirley. She has always supported me so much,” Scheele said. “Every show she has, she reaches out to see if I can do it. She is the reason I do this.”
SHOCASE board member Sean Morgan moved across the stage during his soulful rendition of Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle,” offering an emotional tribute. Morgan’s baritone voice and heartfelt delivery resonated with the audience.
“I just love Jim Croce,” Morgan said. “‘Time in a Bottle’ is one of my oldest favorite songs. It’s ingrained in my earliest memories and is as much a part of my young childhood as Johnny Cash.”
Event organizer Austyn said the Gala continues to fulfill its mission of showcasing community talent.
“This year’s Gala was so fantastic,” she said. “The whole reason we started it was to showcase the talent we have in our community. Each year we choose a new theme, and it’s always something special.”
Austin said performers are often discovered through local competitions, karaoke events and talent searches. She added that the committee is also interested in including dancers in future programs.
Austin thanked volunteers and organizers, including Nathan Tolman for stage projection, Ramil Malabago for the sound, Sean Morgan as stage manager, Dana Foxx as stagehand, Ward Christmas for music coordination, SHOCASE board members Rose Peda, Lee Roscoe-Bragg and Satina Tolman for lobby and reception support, Cristin Romero, student volunteers and Jewellz Photography.
Anyone interested in participating in or helping to organize future SHOCASE productions is invited to reach out to board members through their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/shshocase) or their website (http://sweethomeshocase.org).
