Local talent opens for Gord Bamford at "Why 4-H is Great"

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Alyssa Barbero belts out a song at
"Why 4-H is Great"
Submitted photo

Two local vocalists, Alyssa Barbero of Pincher Creek and Christina Folsom of Hillspring, performed as the opening act for Canadian Male Vocalist of the Year Gord Bamford in Killam, Alberta on November 3.  This was a part of a 'Why 4-H is Great' event.  Barbero is a member of Pincher Creek's Rocky Mountain 4-H Swine Club.

Barbero explained that being involved in the event was a year-long process.  "They took video submissions in November.  I was one of the top 6 finalists.  That meant that I got to go to Battle Lake Alberta in June," she said.  In Battle Lake the contestants were given the opportunity to sing in front of three judges, including Bamford himself, and an audience of over 100 people.  From that audition process two singers were chosen, Barbero and Folsom.


These two young ladies had four months to chose two songs each in preparation for the event. They had the opportunity to prepare for and perform two songs each.  Barbero chose "Starts with Goodbye"  by Carrie Underwood and "Born to Fly" by Sara Evans.  Folsom sang "Tim McGraw" by Taylor Swift and "American Honey", originally performed by Lady Antebellum.

Alyssa Barbero and Gord Bamford
Submitted photo

Barbero was truly excited by the whole experience.  "We got to hang out with him (Bamford) all afternoon."  The girls also got to meet with Bamford's mom, who offered the girls inspirational advice about never giving up on their dreams.  Barbero said it was "an amazing experience.  I am thankful for 4-H, ATB, and Gord for the opportunity."

Barbero will be performing at Cowboy Christmas Church in the United Church in Pincher Creek on November 27, and will have a solo during the Christmas Carol Festival in the Pincher Creek Community Hall on December 11.