Fleming College

The Fleming College community was treated to a top-notch show of talented musical acts at the inaugural Fleming’s Got Talent competition, held at the Sutherland Campus Nov. 9.

Vice President Academic Blane Harvey (playing guitar) and Manager of Records Sue Kloosterman took top honours for their singing duet. Their song selection imparted a message of hope, peace and belonging that resonated with the audience and the judges.

The judges – media personalities Joel Scott from 93.3 FM, Bill Porter from 99.7 and Paul Rellinger from Peterborough This Week – were impressed by the depth of talent at the competition.

The performances were scored 0-10 in four categories: originality and creativity, poise and presentation, clarity of voice, and crowd appeal.

Five musical acts performed at the show.

Student Chris Pemberton took on a White Stripes song, blistering through it with some awesome guitar picking.

“Your voice is dynamic – great song selection,” said Mr. Rellinger. Mr. Scott added: “It’s an intense song and you nailed it.”

Another student, Patrick Fancey sang Open Road – his own composition that had a bluesy rock vibe.

“It looked like you were having a ball up there. If the performer has fun then the audience has fun,” said Mr. Scott of Fancey’s performance. “Your confidence was fantastic,” chimed in Mr. Porter.

Lorinda Frudd, of the Registrar’s Office, made a political statement with her moving performance Dear Mr. President by Pink. While singing and playing guitar, a slideshow played in the background showing images of George W. Bush intermingled with images of 9/11, the homeless, and victims of Hurricane Katrina.

“That was a moving performance – powerful and passionate,” said Mr. Porter. Mr. Scott called Ms. Frudd’s performance “gutsy.”

“I really wish you could’ve made a statement with your song,” he joked.

Alumni Officer Nicole Grady, accompanied by Greg McConnery on guitar, was a last-minute addition to the line-up. She got the crowd clapping with her rendition of My Favorite Mistake.

Mark Gray, MC for the event and dressed in his fantastic maple leaf tartan jacket, announced the winners – Blane Harvey and Sue Kloosterman. They impressed the judges with their harmony.

“It’s nice to hear something pure,” said Mr. Porter. “You can tell you have a passion for that song,” said Mr. Scott, adding “I felt like I was at a 60s movement somewhere.”

Plans are underway for a spring talent show at Fleming, said event organizer Ms. Grady.

“It was a really wonderful opportunity for staff to take a break from their busy work day and enjoy some entertainment. I think everyone had a good time and I think many people were surprised by the talents of their co-workers! It was nice to be able to allow folks to see a different side of the people that they work with, and to come together all in good fun,” she said.

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