The city was treated to an evening of local and award winning musical talent at the R.E.M. Lee Theatre June 27.

Juno award-winning artist Tal Bachman gave a live performance, lead a songwriting clinic and was one of the main judges of a local songwriting contest “The Best of the West.”

Local band Radix Bloom opened the show before Bachman performed.

Two Radix Bloom members, Adam and Aaron Alander, own the new recording studio Rootworx, and hosted an open house and meet and greet for the musicians who attended the songwriting clinic.

These events were hosted by Rootworx Music Studio and sponsored by the local TV station, Hawk Air, and Music and Friends.

More than 60 entries were submitted in the three contest categories: pop, rock/alternative and country.

The winning contestants performed their songs, with the exception of the country winner.

Included in the performance was first runner up in the pop category, Jordan Beblow, whose catchy song “Expiry Date” was hopefully the first of many songs to come from this up and coming artist.

Best country song was “The Bridge”, written by Dag Livgard, a songwriter for the children’s animated show, “Bumblz”.

Best rock/alternative song was “Whiskey Sunrise” by Danny Keehn, a 19-year-old self-taught musician, who wowed the audience with his powerful vocals and stage presence.

Keehn moved to Terrace recently to pursue more performing opportunities.

He began playing guitar at age 11, and at 16, made it through the first three sets of auditions for Canadian Idol.

One of his songs will be featured in an upcoming local documentary on eating disorders.

Best pop song was “As I Cry”, written by local singer/songwriter Amy Kebernik, who also won best overall song/artist.

The audience was captivated by the heartfelt lyrics she sang as she accompanied herself on the grand piano.

Her dream is to continue the legacy of music that her mother, the late Ann Townsend, has left behind.

Winners received recording time at Rootworx, as well as guaranteed airplay of their songs on area radio stations. We look forward to hearing more of these local artists in the future.