Shawn Wilder, 2009 Chautauqua Lake Idol winner, will perform the National Anthem at The Resource Center and TRC Foundation's Oh Christmas Tree Parade and Holiday Celebration on Friday.
A native of Westfield, Wilder sings, performs and composes his own music. Wilder's first solo CD, The Beginning, will have a few of his best and highly known songs including Family, Mysteries, and two of his personal favorites, Hailey Grace and Barcelona.
The Beginning will be available for purchase at Wilder's release party at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena at 8 and 10 p.m. Jan. 2. Tickets to the show are available for purchase by calling Nancy Rose at 753-6641. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for students.
"We are very happy to have Shawn join the parade line-up," said Tiffani Conti, DJDC special projects manager. "We always try to find a special person or group to sing the anthem and we thought Shawn would be a great choice that will showcase some of the great, local talent we have in our community."
In addition to winning this year's Chautauqua Lake Idol competition, Wilder also performs wedding, various local competitions, area fundraisers, and funerals.
"It is an honor to be asked to be a part of someone's special moment, whether it is a joyous occasion or a loss of a family member," he said. "Each performance is an opportunity for someone to be touched by my music. Country music tells a story, happy or sad. There are many emotions, experiences, thoughts, love, passion, and heartache conveyed by today's country music. It is easy to relate your own life experiences, ups and downs, to country music."
