Local teen finishes second in state talent show

By Jim Hagerty

REPORTER

A Caledonia teen finished second in the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs (IAAF) talent show this year.

Ryland Green, 16, competed locally at the Boone County Fair, advancing to the 107th annual IAAF event held Jan. 19 through Jan. 22, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Ill.

He finished second in the senior division for his instrumental guitar performance, a style he calls progressive finger picking with a percussive flair. Green performed original pieces at both competitions.

“It was one of the greatest musical experiences I may ever have,” Green said. “It was great to compete against people who share the same passion as I do.”

Green has been playing guitar for six years. The homeschooler graduates next year and plans to pursue a music degree.

“I’d like to get into private teaching,” he said. “I think it would be fun.”

Green took home $135 in prize money and a plaque for his second-place finish.

Boone County Fair Board member Bob Schere saw both of Green’s performances and couldn’t be more proud of the teen.

“This competition is not for just anyone,” Schere said. “He was excellent. He did an outstanding job not only for himself, but he represented our fair very well.”

Schere said Green faced stiff competition and deserved to be among a diverse group of artists that continues to grow. Every year, Schere sees top-notch tap dancers, singers, even groups who play music on five-gallon pails.

“It’s as close to the level you see on ‘American’s Got Talent,’” Schere said. “It’s not a cotton-candy type show. These kids are really doing something. It’s entertaining to see them perform.”

Winners of that senior division (15-years-old to 21-years-old) were: first place – Riley Mulcahy of Plainfield, Ill., with a vocal performance; second place – Green; third place – Victoria Covell of Jacksonville, Ill., solo dance; fourth place – Phrygian Shores, Josiah Keller, Brady Walsh, Caleb Meador, Justin Woods, and Tyler O’Rear of Lincoln, band and vocal instrumental;  fifth place – Moodswing Group Tap (Alexis Krones, Jessi Page, Madisyn Shambrook, Hope Longest, Taylor Schippert, Courtney Thompson, of Valpariso, Ind., representing Iroquois County, Ill.); and  sixth place – Lauren Kochanski of Godfrey, Ill., who performed a flute solo.

The 2017 Boone County Fair will be Aug. 8 through Aug. 13. The talent contest will be Saturday, Aug. 11. The Boone County Fairgrounds are located at 8791 Route 76 in Belvidere.