September 29, 2006
Friday

Ketchikan, Alaska - The 25th Colgate Country Showdown local competition concluded on Saturday, September 23, 2006, naming Buddy Rowell as the winner. America's largest country music talent search and radio promotion was held at the VFW in Ketchikan. This win marks completion of the first step in the prestigious national contest.

Buddy Rowell's combination of musical talent, stage presence, charisma, musicianship and originality caught the attention of judges including, Tom Bachant from More Than Carpets, Linda Blair from South Tongass Service, Richa Owen from Skinner Sales and Service, Donna LaForce from The Narrows Inn, Kj Harris from Kj's Raven's Roost and Miguel Torres from GCI.

On Friday, October 13, 2006 in Covington, Tennessee, Buddy Rowell will represent Alaska in the state final of the Colgate Country Showdown vying for $1,000 and the opportunity to perform at one of five regional competitions in the fall. Regional winners receive an all-expense paid trip to the National Final, exuding talent and energy in their performances and winning the $100,000 Grand Prize and the National Title.

Buddy Rowell is a 23 year old from Stanwood, Washington. He relocated to Ketchikan three years ago with the U.S. Coast Guard. Rowell has a wife, Stevie, and two children, Dallon and Savannah. He won on Saturday night by performing his original song, "Welcome to Spokane."

The Colgate Country Showdown also featured Kirsten Atteberry and Charles Anderson, Danielle Beaudry, Leo Baldwin, Tahir Kemp-McGrew, Jerilyn Lester, Lyden Byron, Amanda Wilsie, Ken Horn, Brenda Hurley, The Allen Sisters, John Gabriel, Joel Manalo, Abigail London, Bob Cole, Sarah Cobb, James Vincent, Tiffany Hargraves, Forrest McGillis and Corey LaDuke, Patricia Hawk, The Hall Brothers, Carlos Weimer and Cheryl Skaflestad.

Jamie Beldo, Program Director for Gateway Country said, "With this being the first time the Colgate Country Showdown ever took place in Ketchikan, we didn't know exactly what to expect. To say the least, it exceeded our expectations by far. We had a great time. We had a huge crowd that turned out to show their support. The Allen Sisters brought a fun group from Wrangell. Abby London had a fan club from P.O.W. The audience was fabulous. The competition was extremely close. It was overall a huge success and we are looking forward to hosting the 2007 Colgate Country Showdown next year in Ketchikan."

Now in its 25th year, the Colgate Country Showdown finds the most promising country music talent in America, giving these performers a chance to launch a professional career. Nearly $300,000 in cash and prizes is awarded to the thousands of aspiring artists who compete each year. Nationwide, two million fans will experience the Colgate Country Showdown via hundreds of live shows and nationally syndicated television and radio broadcasts.

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