Asia Mader doesn't know what she's going to do with the $500 yet.
"I think I am going to put it away in a very safe place," the Grade 10 Howe Sound Secondary School student said.
On Saturday (Sept. 14), in front of approximately 200 people, the 14-year-old took to the stage at O'Siyam Pavilion Park in the first Squamish Idol competition. She wowed the crowd and earned herself top spot for a standout performance.
"I was really nervous, especially because I wasn't supposed to be in the adult category," Mader said.
Mader selected the little-known Grace Potter and The Nocturnals song Paris after her father, Todd, unearthed it in a rock magazine. Its gritty sound and tone range captured Asia's imagination.
"It's a really classic song in general," she said.
Although Mader said she'd take every opportunity she can get to perform, singing isn't her main focus. She also does ballet, plays four instruments and likes to draw.
"Right now I am just trying to pass Grade 10," she said.
Mader has been singing since she could talk, her mother Maria said. Her father plays in the classic rock band Zombies Locker and there's always music floating around the house.
"It has always been a part of their lives," Maria said.
Asia got her first taste of a paying gig this summer, when she and older sister Paige played on the rooftop of Newport Market, Maria joked, noting they were given ice creams in return for the tunes.
Squamish Idol marked Asia Mader's first solo performance. By the look of it, there's more to come, Maria said.
"She certainly had fun," she said.
Nadine McNeil and Hannah VanSpronsen received honourable mentions at the third event in the District of Squamish-led Downtown Squamish Summer Series - an initiative to draw residents and visitors into the streets of downtown. Both participants will receive private voice lessons from Melissa Braun of Squamish Academy of Music.
On Sunday, Sept. 29, O'Siyam Pavilion Park will play host to famed Whistler band Hairfarmers, municipal spokesperson Christina Moore said.
"They have played around the world," she said.
The action kicks off at noon with a magic show, followed by mountain bike trial performances scattered throughout the afternoon. The renowned apr猫s ski band hits the stage at 1:30 p.m. and will play until 4:30.
For more information visit www.squamish.ca.
