DOWNIEVILLE - The Yuba Theatre was open again on Sunday, July 2nd, for folks to brave the few steps leading up to the stage to entertain an audience for the Home Grown Talent Open Mic night. The Sierra County Arts Council continually provides this fantastic opportunity to showcase locals, visitors, and performers of all ages, especially providing a foundation for youngsters to overcome stage fright and perfect their craft. The Mountain Messenger attended a fully packed house on this particular talent show night. As we were battling the heat, a refreshing breath of fresh air fell upon the audience as she took her place on stage and wowed us with beautiful vocals and musical abilities on the guitar. Singer-songwriter Makenna Prince of Camptonville, daughter of James and Jessica Prince, was the cool breeze, the rising star who left an impression to the point I had goosebumps. Accompanied by another talented artist, a family friend, Davia Pratschner (look her up on YouTube, her song Black Cricket is phenomenal), the duo sang three songs: Flowers by Lauren Spencer-Smith, Oklahoma Smokeshow by Zach Bryan, and original piece, Sunny Summer by Makenna Prince. After the show, I approached Makenna to request an interview later in the week. Her poise, grace, and serene energy made me believe she was the most mature teenage girl I had ever encountered. In fact, she is only 11 years of age. This coming school year, Makenna will enter the 7th grade at Camptonville Elementary. It is refreshing to learn one youth is not already tangled up in social media and is enjoying a childhood involving going to the lakes, watching movies, and spending time with horses at her job at the Mayo Ranch in Penn Valley. On the other hand, after I inquired if she would pursue a social media page with her music (as this talent should not remain hidden), she replied, “My mom is looking into it.” Inspiration in her musical pursuits is much credited to musician Kyle Ledson, a 21-year-old bluegrass musician, singer, songwriter, and artist (www.kyleledson.com), and the guitar lessons from Davia Pratschner whose voice, as Makenna stated, is “out of this world.” Aside from writing her songs and playing the guitar, Makenna enjoys covering the latest in country music, a favorite artist being Zach Bryan. While this was her first performance at Yuba Theatre, Makenna has performed at two Camptonville Community Center shows. It is nice to see this talented gal, who has been singing since age two, encouraged by her parents and the rest of her family. Makenna was open about having social anxiety and fearing having to speak on stage. Davia quickly made introductions on her behalf during the Yuba Theatre performance. Realizing she is only 11, timidity and shyness will no doubt fall to the wayside as she continues to seek out the stage. With a genuinely humble heart, Makenna thanks her mom for passing down her incredible voice and her dad for her “taste in music.” With her Grandpa Pete playing the harmonica and Grandpa Kenny playing the guitar, she has the right crowd to push her forward. We wish Makenna success in her musical endeavors!
