Young country singer on the rise

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He's already getting a reputation as a pretty darned good country singer in the Edmonton area, and Jared McAllister's got all the things a star on the rise needs; he's cute, looks good in a cowboy hat, can handle a guitar, and most importantly, he's got a lot of time to get even better.

Jared, you see, is only five years old.

But don't let his age fool you. Since Alberta Sweetgrass introduced you to the pint-sized crooner from the Alexander First Nation a few months ago, he has been busy filling up his social calendar.

From performing at C-Weeds nightclub and being the crowd favorite at their youth talent search, Jared has moved on to more public performances.

Jared's dad, Rod, said he wanted to get his son out of the bar-scene, adding that it sounds strange to say that about his five-year-old boy.

"He's not performing in the bars anymore. I don't want him around the alcohol," said McAllister.

Jared can still be seen in and around Edmonton. He's made several appearances on A-Channel television programs and has recently performed at a Native Senior Citizens Centre fundraiser, the Giovanni Caboto festival and will soon be entertaining at the Morinville Stampede.

"He's just booking right up," said McAllister about his son.

All of this before he even starts school. And school is another area where Jared McAllister is unique.

"When he starts kindergarten this year, he'll also be starting college," said Jared's dad. "He'll be starting an early childhood music course at Alberta College."

The 30-week course will help the youngster to improve and strengthen his voice.

Along with his singing, Jared can strum along on a guitar and has recently picked up the sticks of a drum set or two. Rod thinks his son might be a musical natural.

"I really don't mind if he learns every instrument. I think that's great. I think he was born with music in his blood," Rod said, but added that he doesn't want people to look at Jared as a novelty.

"He's the real thing," said Rod.

The real thing's next big challenge is to break into the music video world. Rod said his son wants to be in a video with any one of his many country music favorites.

"He's not shy and I think he's got a taste for the limelight," said Rod.

Jared's next big show will be at Edmonton's Klondike Days in mid-July. Jared is one of the feature performers at the Sunday promenade.