Friday, October 18th &
Saturday October 19th
6:00 p.m. – midnight
Featuring 10 musicians from across the country who are competing for a cash grand prize, mentorship and so much more!
First Place: $10,000 Grand Prize
Second Place: $2,000 Cash Prize
Third Place: $1,000 Cash Prize
Audience Choice Award: $1,000 Cash Prize
MUSIC PRIZE IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Wondering what the bands sound like? Start here to find new favorite acts and learn the lyrics so that you can shout them from the front of the stage — or from the VIP Lounge!
These finalists will compete for $10,000 cash and other prizes, but also for the attention of the Mentor Judges can open to them to advance their careers.
Over 1,000 musicians from all over the country submitted for consideration for Music Prize. This year, 10 musicians will compete in the finals to win the $10,000 cash grand prize and other prizes.
Here’s how you can participate:
Be sure to check out their music on streaming platforms so that you can sing along when you’re rushing the stage!
Alena Ciera is an American Pop Artist, Guitarist, and Actor hailing from Maryland. Her musical journey has been marked by exciting collaborations with renowned artists such as David Byrne’s American Utopia, Arianna Asfar, The Amours, Taisha Estrada, Casey J, Yolanda Adams, Cee Lo Green, Bela’ Dona, Lil Maceo and more. Alena has graced prestigious venues like The St. James Theater, Jamming Java, Snally Gaster Festival, The National Stadium, The Eagle Arena, The Audi Stadium, Pearl Street Warehouse, The Capitol Jazz cruise, and many more.Currently residing in the vibrant DC music scene, Alena draws inspiration from her surroundings, infusing her performances with a unique blend of energy and authenticity. With a commanding stage presence, she captivates audiences with her soulful voice, electrifying guitar notes, and an engaging personality.
Born out of a love for jazz, Big Wy’s Brass Band brings a frenetic party wherever they play. The band performs at iconic Austin, TX venues such as Antone’s Nightclub and Continental Club. Led by six ripping horns and a 4-piece rhythm section, Big Wy’s Brass Band radiates the infectious grooves of Trombone Shorty combined with the fiery intensity of Roy Hargrove. They have also represented the United States at International jazz festivals in Guatemala and Costa Rica. The band plays an eclectic mix of traditional New Orleans standards and funky originals. Whether it’s at a second-line wedding overlooking Lake Austin, Jazz festival in Antigua Guatemala, or a rocking house party, Big Wy’s aims to invite the listener on a wild ride through its brassy confections and irresistible grooves!
Bringing a heavy metal edge to hardcore punk, HAG hails from the murky depths of Northwest Louisiana. Members Mallori Sanders (Spreekiller), Adam Davis (Seratones), Spencer Teekell (Dirtfoot), Kevin Deloach (Zack the Rookie), and Nick Howard (Youth Crash) have come together after 20 years of leading the Shreveport punk rock movement with a blend of hard-hitting backbeats and gnarly guitar riffs which have folks wondering if they are perhaps “too punk for the metal kids and too metal for the punk kids?” Sanders’ gruff Keith Morris-inspired vocals bring to life the band’s unique style of swamp lore about marginalized individuals, brutalized and long-forgotten, rising from the depths as vengeful gods and goddesses ready to devour anyone and anything in their path. Known for pushing the Bikini Kill motto with a little added finesse, HAG urges “Girls, gays, and theys” to claim their rightful space at the front of the stage.
Hotel Burgundy is an energetic garage rock band formed in 2021, known for their vibrant fusion of post-grunge and psychedelia. Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the band quickly garnered attention with their dynamic sound that resonates with fans of bands like Cage the Elephant, Naked Giants, and Arctic Monkeys. Their music features high-octane riffs and an engaging live performance style, establishing them as a standout act in the contemporary rock scene. In July 2024, Hotel Burgundy embarked on their “Please Love Us Tour,” showcasing their compelling sound to new audiences. With a series of high-energy shows and a growing fanbase, the band continues to make waves and solidify their place in modern rock music.
KindKeith (they/them), the musical persona of Keith Galloway Jr., hails from Fort Worth and thrives in Austin. Specializing in keyboard-driven compositions, they fuse soulful traditions with electronic textures, creating a unique experimental R&B sound. Collaborations with artists like Clunis and Susannah Joffe have enriched their genre-blending creativity. KindKeith celebrates music’s unifying power, welcoming listeners from all backgrounds. Their work emphasizes inclusivity and the transformative potential of sound. Currently partnering with the local label Happen Twice, KindKeith is set to release “Live at the Pink Palace,” a live album capturing their dynamic performances. As they explore the boundaries of experimental R&B, KindKeith invites you to join their journey of sonic exploration. Stay tuned for more from this multifaceted artist.
Born and raised in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Mia Borders is a renowned singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences with her soulful voice, electrifying performances, and diverse musical style.
Her collection of critically acclaimed releases showcases Borders’ powerful vocals, thoughtful songwriting, and dynamic presence. Her catalogue includes three EPs, six LPs, five singles, and assorted live albums – all released under her own record label, Blaxican Records.
Beyond her musical accomplishments, Borders is deeply rooted in her New Orleans community, using her platform to uplift and support various causes. Off stage, Borders runs Third Coast Entertainment, an event production company aimed at elevating women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC artists. She also runs The Borders Foundation, founded to support artists from marginalized communities.
Rachard Dennis is a renaissance man and arguably the hardest working figure in Shreveport’s music scene. His freestyle lyrics blend personal nostalgia with a contemporary edge, capturing both his personal journey and the essence of today’s music landscape.
Ouro Boar, once a 14-piece Afrobeat/funk ensemble, has undergone a transformation with a shifting lineup. Partnering with Rachard, they are now exploring a new sound influenced by El Michels Affair, Menahan Street Band, and Surprise Chef. Their music melds hip hop samples with cinematic soul. Their debut single, “Egomania,” is paired with the instrumental track “Tortuga.”
SUNKiSSED, the brainchild of 24 CARS and Abi Clair, is an electrifying indie rock band hailing from the musically diverse town of Lafayette, Louisiana. Formed in the Fall of 2023, the dynamic quintet of musicians found their love of music through individual projects and joined together to present an eclectic mix of genres and sounds. Compromised of multi-instrumentalists Abi Clair, Alex Pipkins, Austin Pierre, Dayton Parfait, and Matthew Kleimeyer, SUNKiSSED delivers on the premise of presenting a sonic landscape of sounds for listeners to consume and relate to. Their music, a fusion of earnest lyricism and powerful instrumentation, is a testament to their commitment to pushing boundaries and breaking free from the constraints of conventional music standards. With influences ranging from blues, indie pop, jazz, and psychedelic rock, SUNKiSSED creates a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh, taking listeners on a sonic journey through the highs and lows of life.
Wild Ire is a project from the Pacific Northwest that began in 2015. With several full length albums and several singles, they have played from Seattle to Anaheim to share their music. A fusion of Pop Rock and Progressive Music. Their love of Jazz and Funk makes appearances throughout their melodies and riffs. Wild Ire is loud and fun music with something for everyone to enjoy.
Zach Edwards & The Medicine is from Lafayette, Louisiana. We are a collective of musicians who grew up on The Allman Brothers, The Grateful Dead and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Jam band genre has been a huge inspiration on how we view music and what it does for the mind and soul. We try to encompass that energy and passion live at every show. Our music is for us, but its even more for the audience as we become one with the crowd. Zach Edwards & The Medicine carefully crafts together soul, funk, blues, arena rock, and country while maintaining their own distinct sound and image. In the course of 3 years, the band has taken themselves from a couple small bars in South Louisiana to across the southern coast with a collective of 150 shows.
Nik Parr & The Selfless Lovers are a piano driven rock n’ roll group from Austin, Texas. Self taught on piano, Nik’s energetic playing and virtuosity on dual instruments brings to mind talents like Jerry Lee Lewis, Billy Joel and rock saxophonist Bobby Keys. The band harnesses old school boogie woogie piano with soul, Austin blues and pop influences for an arena level rock n’ roll show and exuberant, catchy original songs. Nik manages and books the band independently with over one hundred and fifty performances a year across the country. The band has opened for: Marc Broussard, Black Joe Lewis, Shinyribs, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Rebirth Brass Band, The Heavy Heavy and more. Nik is also a professional illustrator, hand drawing and painting all of the band merchandise and album art. His band has released three albums and two EPs. For more see Spotify, The Selfless Lovers.
Hugo’s music career started in 1977 as a founding member of Gang of Four. After Gang of Four, Hugo worked as a Manager before joining Island Records in NYC as an A&R rep. He went on to work with Quincy Jones at Qwest Records and then at EMI Music before starting his teaching career in Boston in 2000. Hugo and founding singer Jon King reunited the band with guitarist, David Pajo.
Jai is a pioneering leader in the music industry, educating rising creatives on what the industry purposely keeps hidden, using her skills and wit to ensure the next generation of stars don’t lose their footing on their way to the top. Jai owns and operates Jai Yoko Entertainment, a Consulting and Creative Development Agency that mentors and manages creatives in building successful careers in entertainment without the help of a label.
Sonya has 30+ years of music industry experience. She spent most of her career in publicity, and after handling press campaigns for an extensive variety of artists across most genres, she shifted her focus to catalog. She now works closely with label artists past and present to maximize their catalog efforts as Beggars US Director of Catalog where she has been on staff for 20 years.
Jay is a distinguished composer, producer, conductor, arranger, orchestrator, and contractor for film, TV, recordings, and concerts. Based in LA, New Orleans, and Nashville, he has worked in the film and TV industry since 1984. His recent scores can be heard in films like Interview with the Vampire, The Campaign, Green Lantern, & Paradise Lost. He recently arranged the works of Big Freedia and the Lost Bayou Ramblers for concerts with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
Originally from Louisville, KY, David is perhaps best known for the band he started in high school, Slint. Their first album, Tweez, was recorded in 1987 by acclaimed audio engineer, Steve Albini (Nirvana, Page and Plant). David has gone on to play with Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins), Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Stereolab, Tortoise, Interpol, and many more. He currently plays with the legendary UK post-punk band, Gang of Four, and resides in Pasadena, CA with his cat and albino ball python.
Celeste is a Music Supervisor for Creative Control and Tyler Perry Studios. She has worked on shows including Zatima, Young Dylan, Caught Up, and All The Queen’s Men. Her Films include Mea Culpa, Bleeding Love, Divorce In The Black, and The Six Triple Eight. She prides herself on being an advocate, curator, and problem solver for independent music artists, providing strategic planning, self-discovery, and creative solutions that give them the knowledge and confidence to succeed.
Russell is the EVP, Global Head of Television Music for Lionsgate/Starz. He brings a holistic view of the industry from his time in various roles including a bassist, a music publisher, a personal manager, a music producer, a record executive, and a studio music executive. In 2005, Russell moved to Lionsgate, and then added Starz, overseeing music for Emmy/Golden Globe award-winning Mad Men, Weeds, Nurse Jackie, and Orange is the New Black.
Rel is a dynamic and results-driven Director of A&R with over 12 years nationally in the music and entertainment industry. Proven track record in discovering and nurturing independent and mainstream talent, managing successful artist portfolios, and developing strategic industry partnerships. Adept at leveraging extensive industry knowledge and network to drive career growth for both established and emerging artists. Experienced in producing and hosting hip-hop podcasts and organizing independent tours to support and promote up-and-coming artists.
Kevin’s 40-year music career as a performer, composer, producer, and mentor began in Shreve Square on the Shreveport riverfront. His Picket Line Coyotes were a local favorite in the late 80s. He went on to Austin where he helped form and lead the award-winning Jam band, The Gourds. After 20 years he reinvented himself, yet again, as the musical ringmaster known as Shinyribs.
Frank is the host of Soundman Confidential. He has been the live sound engineer for some of the greatest bands in music history: Talking Heads, Simple Minds, B-52’s to name a few.