Jenkins tops at Colgate state competition

Before Jonathan Jenkins steps onto stage he knows that folks often wonder how he's going to play a guitar.

Then he steps up to the mic. Places his prosthetic arm on his guitar and begins to play. He sings the song he's written. That's when the crowd begins to believe.

If his performance wasn't enough to convince the crowd in Great Falls on Sunday, his win that day in the Colgate Country Showdown definitely did.

He won the northwest section of the competition, beating out five other competitors at the Montana State Fair. Tatum Williams won the southwest section. Both will advance to the Western Regional in Coos Bay, Ore.

Jenkins, who lost his right hand at the age of 7, acknowledges that playing with a prosthetic arm makes him stand out in competition.

"In judging they are looking for something unique that stands out — that's in my favor," he said.

He also hopes to inspire others. Looking out at the crowd last weekend he saw others with disabilities.

"They see me and I hope it gives them a boost and hope and pride," he said.

Jenkins is the son of Barb Jenkins and the late Dave Jenkins. She is the owner of The Barber's Shop in Columbia Falls.

IT'S BEEN an unlikely journey that Jenkins has taken in competition. Back in March, Jenkins entered and won the local competition on a whim. He beat out 180 competitors, beginning at the Kalispell Center Mall and eventually winning the showdown at the Majestic Valley Arena.

"I never thought I'd make it to the arena," said Jenkins. "This is getting pretty surreal."

The showdown in Great Falls was only his second judged competition. Going in he was facing a few obstacles. He hadn't practiced much before hand. He was playing with a live band. The heat was daunting.

"It was extremely hot, like 90 degrees. I had on a black shirt and black hat — I wanted to make sure I had the look," he said. "With the heat and then you start getting nervous and getting cotton mouth."

But earlier in the day during rehearsal Jenkins had noted the heat, and he came prepared.

"I made sure I had water," he said.

Even though the actual competition was the second time he'd played with the Showdown's band, having the live music helped him.

"Having the live band helped me get into it and be energetic," he said.

Jenkins again performed his own original songs, "Redemption" and "Born USA."

He plans to continue with those two in the next round.

"These songs seem to be doing well," he said. "Why fix it if it isn't broken? The more I keep doing it the better I seem to get at it."

Having written the songs, he knows the songs are tailored to his voice.

"I wouldn't pick a song if I didn't 100 percent believe I could do it," he said.

JENKINS HEADS to Oregon for the regional in October. One winner from each of the five regional competitions will advance to the final in Nashville, Tenn., with the chance at a $100,000 grand prize.

He seems to have the same calm attitude as he makes it further in the Showdown.

"I do what comes natural," he said. "I do the best I can."

Video of Jenkins performing is posted on YouTube and can be found by searching for his name.