Two years ago, Covid was still raging. The only way I made it through was the nightly music produced at places like #PIzzario on Main Street. Despite social distancing requirements, several singer-songwriters played their hearts out. In doing so, they earned the respect of all of us “regulars” (hi, everyone) and many newcomers. We featured Elijah Blake Vanacek as one of them; he has gone on to improve and play on the road often. Other standouts are Got Yer 6, Gabe Ballard, Bill Hernandez, Andy Harrison, Malderine Birmingham, Kyndell James, etc. Glencoe High School Grad, Trent Toney, is one standout who always has shown signs of greatness.
Trent has been out of music for some time while he pursues another career in firefighting. We have seen each other a few times this past year. We first covered Trent 2 years ago in the Video we have inserted below. Get to know this guy in this heart-felt sit-down we did together as he released his original tune New You!
Things bounced along for him after this was filmed, and like all of us, he had to dig and take work where he could find it. The piano, the music, and his substantial vocal pipes have been on hold since then. That was until a friend called and told him he could try out for America’s Got Talent online. He sort of reluctantly did it, and they loved him. And why wouldn’t they?
Trent is a great person and a perfect example of the sort of people our town puts into the world. You can watch Trent’s live performance and see how he did. It has already been posted, so here is the actual performance and his personal story that connected so well with the audience! This is his second appearance but his first live appearance. Let’s all pull together and cheer him on! If Simon Cowell, Howie Mandell, Sophia Vergara, and Heidi Klum see what we have seen, he has a great shot!
Who knows- maybe he will make a deep run. They will not find a more talented or deserving person! Abd the love story of his life is hanging in the balance of what happens next. We wish him the best!
Best of luck, Trent!
Beautiful voice, awesome song u wrote! So very proud to have someone from Hillsboro Oregon on AGT, & one of our great HFD fighters as well. Good luck!
I am in total agreement not only a talented singer and songwriter but a remarkable person. He is a loving, honest and faith filled man,
You may wonder why a Canadian who never met him could be so certain about the kind of person he is.
It’s an unlikely story,I met his parents on an Amazon cruise and was so impressed. His mom Jane and I have kept in touch since and I feel blessed.Trent has parents who passed the same qualities to him.
I will be among the many praying and cheering and no matter the outcome he is already a winner.
Elaine! TEARS….Thank you for your faith filled and loving support to our son, Trent! Our meeting on the Amazon was God-Sent! We were and are so very BLESSED!
Congrats to all- we just all love this kid so much!
Yes, thanks, Dirk, for posting this!
Warms my heart! Your words! Thanks, Dirk!
Well, I trust he is handling his instant Fame which has hit him. I used to cover HS athletes who would jump up from Local kid to College Blue Chip and then the NFL and got to know all of them and their families. I have a MIllion stories of all the challenges and opportunities faced. And some people went to incredible lengths to get an edge – watch out for him and let me know what if anything I can do- He is still a kid to me – but learning fast!
It’s all Him! He has no bigger fan or supporter than you! Keep it going!
Wow, that was fabulous!! I don’t watch the show every week, so would have never known if you hadn’t posted it! Thanks Dirk!
Trent and I have talked and watching him at Pizzario and I said to him you need America’s got talent Love his gift. Good luck brother.
B.I.G.
Here is my original video – and story – and I have a few more out there! Enjoy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLmfgooaaqM
Another great article and tribute, Dirk.
I know you were privately helping Trent out to navigate a new reality that a greater slice of America is now welcoming him into, with open arms.😊
Thanks Dirk for sharing this great story of Hillsboro interest – Best of Luck to Trent And he got to hug Heidi – nice bonus!
Trent, things happen for reasons an’ there is nae such a thin’ as coincidence. Ta’night I was strolling’ through me phone an’ came across yer audition on AGT. Sir e’vrythin’ ye said an’ e’ery word ye sang was frae yer heart. Me hats off tae ye! What ye did took not only a tonne o’ talent, but also a tonne o’ courage.
Me self I have spent me entire life in the Service fer others. I believe that we are blessed wit that special gift. Ye neon’ in the Fire Service, ye ken what that takes tae give.
E’ery year the Royal Navy joins wit the US. Navy and Airforce to gee the American people a glimpse in tae what Service Tis all a’boot.
Me’self I have been in Her Majesty’s Service all me adult life. An’ though I wear a lot of brass and cabbage on me uniform, an’ are constantly saluted an’ thanked fer me service. Tis people like yerself I tip me cap tae. What ye did on AGT took a HUGE leap o’ courage tae do.
I have been doin’ the San Francisco Fleet Week e’ery year since 1981 an’ e’en when I may be on deployment, me faith an’ me heart goes out tae those in Publiv Service like yerself.
Though this may be me last SF FleetWeek as Active Duty, me heart still rises in strength tae lads an’ lassies like yerself.
Cheers Mate for all you do. Slainte!
luckily I have the habit of watching the americas got talent show and surprisingly saw you on the stage answering back to judge heidi regarding your name, age, occupation and where you from. The song you sang was very nice and touchy. I know what you’re going through. don’t just sit around and do nothing. you have to continue singing your songs you wrote and make it known to the rest of the world. I want to recommen that you come to our beautiful island of tinian located in the pacific region and see what’s like to live on an island with small population but clean and nice beaches people are friendly and we are under united states jurisdiction.