Gila River’s Got Talent puts GRIC members in the spotlight at MGR hosted event
Gila River Indian Community members strutted their stuff during an evening of singing, dancing and musical entertainment. Gila River Royalty hosted Gila River’s Got Talent event at the Komatke Boys & Girls Club on July 19.
To open the event, Miss Gila River Tyler Owens and Jr. Miss Gila River Susanna Osife greeted the audience with a word of encouragement for the contestants. They said it takes a lot of courage to come on stage and perform, because everyone has a special talent to share with others.
Owens said, “Magic tricks, singing, and sharing words of inspiration gave a small taste of what the Community has to offer.” Osife said, “It is important to allow one another to share what make each of us special.”
Youth Natalie Osife lead the night of entertainment off with ABC’s, while sisters Olivia and Naomi Figueroa pulled off their rendition of “Demons,” by Imagine Dragons. To get the audience further settled into the night was master of ceremonies Antonio “Goh:k Hapoth” Davis comedy sketch.
To start off the second half of the performances, Adrian D Thomas led the audience through a musical journey of empowerment. Jonathan Soke, had a few magic tricks up his sleeve to wow the crowd, while Andrew Kisto sang a rap song about the life as a young adolescent forced to make difficult life choices for survival.
Victoria Allison performed a cover of Selena’s hit “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” and Owens joined in the contest and danced and lip-synched to Beyoncé’s “Before I Let Go.”
To close-out the night, Osife performed a traditional Akimel O’otham dance, showcasing the cultural history of the Community
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All the right touches for an entertaining night were present to give the night Hollywood feel with lights, cameras, action for the performers. Little ones faced their fears and sang on stage, while others belted their version of hit songs.
The event brought Community members out to share their talents before a packed house inside the club’s gymnasium. The event was broadcast live online and on Facebook.
Community members were also recognized at the talent show, Marlena Whitehair, youth of the year, Reuben Ringlero citizen of the year for contributions to the youth skateboarding community, Whitehair said, her parents taught to be proud her Native American heritage and grateful for the opportunities that are before her. “My educational goal is to attend Arizona State University and get Juris Doctorate in Law,” said Whitehair.
Lee Nasewytewa, who will be attending ASU in the fall and running track & field, shared some words of encouragement. He said running has given him a platform to inspire youth from the Community and elsewhere to pursue their athletic and educational goals. “I hope to inspire and be a role model for the youth of our Community and to ensure they reach their potential and grown up in a positive environment.”
Kelcey Mosely, District 1 Fitness Instructor, was selected as leader of the year for his contributions within the Community. “I was thankful for the opportunity to be awarded leader of the year.” Mosely attends ASU studying exercise and wellness and said his education has inspired him to promote wellness in his district.
