I may not own an oversized belt buckle or ten-gallon hat, but that didn’t stop the fine folks at Country 97.5 KHCM-FM from inviting me to help judge the Honolulu qualifier of the 2010 Colgate Country Showdown last Friday alongside talent scout Alan Sunio, Al Waterson & You’s Nancy Bernal, singer Jordan Segundo and Hawaii Pacific Health’s Amy Hennessey.

Now in its 29th year, the Showdown is described as the "largest and longest-running country music talent search" in the United States, with the aim of helping aspiring singers launch their professional careers by providing national exposure — and a $100,000 cash prize. Locally, the contest is now in its fifth year, although this was the first time it took place at Dave & Buster’s.

"As a group, this is the best level of talent we’ve ever had," said Country 97.5 morning co-host Dita Holifield. "We’re excited to give somebody the chance to compete on the mainland."

Ten solo performers made it to the final qualifying round last week, including 2009 winner Chase Walker; of the finalists, half performed original material. That was important, since songwriting ability was good for bonus points on the Showdown’s judging form. Other criteria included marketability in country music, vocal/instrumental ability, originality, stage presence and overall talent.

By the time the artist calling herself Kulana got on stage, eight others had already tried to show that they had what it took to advance to the Washington state final on Sept. 5 and take home a $997.50 check to use on airfare and a hotel room. I was impressed by New York native Brittany Turner, who had performed two original songs right before Kulana played, as well as high school senior Colby Benson. I don’t know if it was something in her voice or her overall appearance, but I kept thinking of Colby Caillet as Benson performed a cover of Carrie Underwood’s "We’re Young and Beautiful" before sharing her original composition, "If You Can Hear Me."

But once Kulana shared two of her own originals, "Jenny" and "Would if I Could," I knew we had a winner. She definitely has what it takes to advance beyond the Washington state final to the West Region finals on Oct. 23 in Oregon, and hopefully to get to the national finals in Nashville early next year. Good luck …

CONGRATS TO Waikiki institution Harbor Pub, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last Sunday with a party hosted by brother-and-sister owners Mike and Rita Coyle.

Did you know the Coyle family originally opened the bar near Ala Wai Boat Harbor in 1980 after their previous business, Nature’s Health Food Plaza, failed to attract enough customers? The refocusing obviously paid off, as Harbor Pub has become a favorite among nearby condo residents and established itself as a go-to location in Waikiki for a decent pizza.

Now through Sept. 9, stop in for a small pie and you’ll pay just $8.80 in honor of Harbor Pub’s first day of business on Aug. 8, 1980. The offer is good for one pizza per person, per day (excluding holidays), and you must dine in. More than 15 different varieties are available, including the popular Harbor Combo, Taco Pizza and The Sicilian (garlic and anchovies) …

IF YOU’RE near a computer this weekend, be sure to check in on the official TGIF Twitter account (twitter.com/TGIF808) for updates from the second annual Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival. Your faithful columnist will be at the Royal Kona Resort tomorrow to cover the fun; visit tgif.staradvertiser.com next week for a complete recap of the event …

In the Mix drops Fridays in tgif. Contact Jason Genegabus by e-mail at jason@staradvertiser.com or phone at 529-4766. Check him out on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TGIF808.