Inuvik (Sep 10/04) - Looking back at the scoresheet I was handed prior to judging the Mad Trapper's Labour Day Talent Contest Monday evening, it's all coming back to me now.

While judges were supposed to mark these categories on a scale of one to 10, being a writer I opted for jotting down remarks about each entrant. To avoid embarrassing any participants and myself, I have withheld the names of contestants in lieu of sharing some of these. Please keep in mind that this is all in good fun and, more importantly, that I respect anybody with the nerve to get up on stage and perform. "He enjoyed the band a lot and watched them, except when he remembered the lyrics." "Inspired instrumental that merely scratched the surface of what could be termed a 'space jam.' A lot of whoo-ooos from the crowd at appropriate junctures." "Her friend commented that she was not "drunk enough" to give a good performance. Contestant returned to the table making similar excuse." Inspired from Olympic overload: "CHN 7.5, ROM 7.4, JPN 7.6, USA 7.7, CAN 7.6, RUS 6.9." "Got audience dancing. Lots of couples. Performance good enough for prize money." "Proud Mary. Hard choice. Heck of a voice, though. Too bad she forgot the lyrics."

Eleven performers vied for their share of $600 in prize money and as one of three judges, the weight of nearly 10 dozen worth of beers rested on my shoulders.

In showing respect to those willing to "lay it on the line", I applauded each contestant as their names were announced at the outset. But from there on in, I would try to maintain the poker face of unbiased objectivity.

(This is more than I could say for another judge, who nearly fell off her chair applauding what I presumed was one of her friends. During deliberation, I would mention this to her as a means of gentle persuasion.)

On the scoresheet were three categories -- performance, talent and audience response -- for which each contestant would be rated.

With the exception of two contestants, the performers sang, backed up by the Big River Band that includes Louis Goose on vocals and guitar, Mark Stevens on lead guitar, Kevin Moir on bass and drummer Pete Smith.

The art of negotiation

After all contestants had performed, the judges were sequestered in the Trapper office for final deliberations.

While my inclination was to award first prize to the "most creative" performance, it was clear the other judges did not share this sentiment.

"Nobody got up and danced to that guy," said one judge.

"That's true, but he did get, uh, let me see, several heartfelt whoo-ooos at the appropriate junctures," I countered, checking my notes.

This may have been true, but this was a country music crowd where country music singers are favoured heavily. And, of course, we had to keep in mind that giving the crowd what they want is paramount in the business of entertaining.

Nevertheless, I stuck to my guns insisting that creativity be acknowledged and secured third prize for the "space jam" guy, Doug Villeneuve.

After that, the rest fell into place as the two best singers of the evening were awarded first place, Sally Day, and second place, Colinda Blondin. And just for the record, a filled dance floor played large in the decision.

Until the next talent show, this is Judge Jason returning to his regular assignment.