1/31/08 - Glendale, AZ - Performing before a packed, standing-room only crowd at Ironwood High School's auditorium on Thursday night, members of the school student body participated in an invitation only talent show. In all, 12 different talents were presented to the sold-out crowd. The Sahuaro Ranch Ward was well represented by Nick Quintana and Dallas Perkins. Although an official "place" was not received, an honorable mention is worthwhile for Nick and his band, aptly named "Dick Cheney and the Misfires", who worked their magic in the first half of the performance, playing and singing a tune that until that moment, was previously unheard of by this writer. The guitar and drum work was sweet. This was not your father's rock band and as I sat enjoying the moment, I thought of the saying "If the music's too loud, you're too old." I, for one, am still not too old.

Placing 2nd in the overall competition, Dallas tickled the ivory with lightning fingers, playing a stiring rendition of Jon Schmidt's "All Of Me." Kudos to the setup crew, who this year had the foresight to do something with the grand piano (open it up?) so as to allow the audience to actually hear the music. However, thumbs down to the same crew, who had the piano situated in such a manner so as to obscure the keys from view of most in attendance. Those unable to see Dallas work the ivory missed out on part of the performance. During an after-concert interview with his friend and home teaching companion, Jarret Sharp, Dallas was overheard to say, "I do it for the audience." Humbly said, Dallas. Humbly said.

Those interested in seeing, or better yet, hearing, a video clip of the first part of Dallas' performance, the following link should take you to it. Turn up the volume.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEY2Z9hUvKE