Mikaila Tombe earned respect for her singing ability after winning a local contest with Aretha Franklin’s hit song.
Tombe, 15, won first prize in this year’s Vocal Challenge at the Vancouver Island Exhibition, which carried a prize of $500.
Participants were given the opportunity to perform their songs on the Community Festival stage as part of the opening ceremonies at the VIEX.
All finalists chosen were invited to perform their songs on the mainstage on the last day of the fair at Beban Park. The contest was formerly called Songbird.
All singers, male and female, wishing to try out their performing skills were invited and the contest was open to any style of music.
Tombe attends Dover Bay Secondary School, where she is enrolled in the Academy Arts Program. This year she performed the role of Maria in Dover Bay’s production of West Side Story.
Tombe also came in first place at Victoria’s Remax Island Star Search 2012 performing at a gala evening at The McPherson Playhouse winning a free music video production.
Nanaimo audiences often hear her performing at the Acme Food Co. with the band The Big Mess.
The VIEX is a four-day agricultural fair held at Beban Park in Nanaimo every year. In addition to the farming and livestock displays, the fair offers midway rides, community booths and entertainment.
For more information, please visit www.viex.ca.