Andy Potter understands the transformative power of music. From picking up his first guitar at age 18 to watching the young musicians in our community come to life on stage, Potter believes music and the response from an audience create a satisfaction that is unparalleled. “I love the moment of recognition from the audience when you hear, ‘I love this song.’ I want to give our young people the opportunity to experience that moment.”
Potter has indeed opened doors for youth to share their talents. As co-host with Andreas Christian of open mic nights at the Woodcellar Bar & Grill and the Genesee Pub and BBQ, stage manager for the Wooden Hawk Foundation’s Mountain Music Fest, booker of bands for the Evergreen Park & Recreation District Summer Concert Series, and as organizer of the Evergreen and Conifer Got Talent competitions, Potter identifies opportunities to showcase aspiring musicians, and in some cases gives them a launching pad for pursuing their passion.
“ …Potter identifies opportunities to showcase aspiring musicians, and in some cases gives them a launching pad for pursuing their passion.”
The Got Talent competitions have introduced the community to now sought-after performers such as May Be Fern, featuring Evergreen’s Hannah Davis. The band performs throughout the Denver Metro region, has written its first full-length album, and will be the featured act for the April 3 gallery concert at Center for the Arts Evergreen. Country music singer/songwriter Jax Jordening of Conifer also has the Got Talent competition to credit along the way to his busy touring schedule throughout Colorado, including a performance at the Little Bear on April 5.
With funding for school arts programs continuing to decrease, and limited performance opportunities for young musicians, Potter believes the Got Talent competitions are more important than ever before. At press time, registrations for Evergreen’s Got Talent and Conifer’s Got Talent were underway for students under the age of 19. The talent shows are slated for April 18 in Conifer and April 25 in Evergreen, to be confirmed on evergreensgottalent.com. Potter has arranged for contest winners to take the stage at several public events.
“This year, we’re excited to announce that Got Talent winners will be featured at three venues: as the opener for an EPRD Summer Concert Series performance, at the Mountain Music Fest on August 16, and at the Evergreen Fine Arts Festival on August 24,” he says.
According to Potter, there are many high performing youth in our community who do not realize how talented they are. The contests can provide the reinforcement they need. “From a kid’s viewpoint, the Got Talent competition is a cool professional experience,” he says. “It is an inclusive space where kids get performance experience and helpful feedback in an environment that welcomes their talents.”
