Federal Way’s Got Talent monthly contest is back, marking the start of summertime in Federal Way.

This year is the 2nd annual Federal Way’s Got Talent at the Federal Way Farmers Market for local singers, musicians, bands and other performers. The first contest of the 2022 season was held from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 4. Throughout the summer, the contest is held on the first Saturdays of each month, July 2 and August 6, at the farmers market.

Two contestants are chosen from each monthly event to then compete in an elimination round finalists event Saturday, Sept. 3. The winner receives $500 and will perform at the Taste of Federal Way Saturday, Sept. 24.

The contest is open to everyone and each contestant has 7 minutes to perform and may choose two songs if needed to fill up the allotted time.

Federal Way Arts Commissioner Chair Vickie Chynoweth said Saturday’s first contest brought an excellent round of contestants.

The contest judges are commissioners from the Federal Way Arts Commission: Kenny Byrne, Karen Brugato and Iveta Felzenberg. The judges use a score sheet to ensure every contestant is judged fairly.

This month’s winners and moving on to the September elimination round are: Faina Morozov and Dylan Yuste with Kendal Browne. Later, Faina informed the judges she is unable to attend the elimination round and therefore had to forfeit. Going to the elimination round in September is Dylan Yuste with Kendal Browne and Ava Berg.

The performances included:

1. Dylan Yuste & Kendal Browne singing and Dylan played guitar: “Where’s My Sky” (original song) and “Hallelujah” (Jeff Buckley).

Score: 259

2. Ava Berg (age 14) singing “Bluebird” (Sara Bareilles).

Score: 211

3. Alinea Kirshend (age 14) singing and playing guitar “At This Moment” (original song).

4. Faina Morozov singing “God Bless America” (Irving Berlin composer).

Score: 270 (forfeit)

5. Julia Lisitsyn (age 16) singing “How Does A Moment Last Forever?” (Beauty and the Beast).

6. Daniel O. (age 15) Esther K. (age 13) Jason O. (age 16) singing, guitar, clarinet “I Love You So” (The Walters).

For more information or to sign up, call 253-261-0207 or email FederalWayFarmersMarketEvents@yahoo.com.

Ava Berg. Photo courtesy of Vickie Chynoweth

Kendal Browne and Dylan Yuste. Photo courtesy of Vickie Chynoweth

Federal Way’s Got Talent judges from the Federal Way Arts Commission. Photo courtesy of Vickie Chynoweth