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Who Has What It Takes? YOU Decide!
Who has what it takes to be the next Minnesota music star? You decide with “Step Up To The Mic,” Maplewood’s first ever vocal talent competition that puts the audience in the driver’s seat! This winter, “Step Up The Mic,” sponsored by Maplewood Performing Arts Theatre and Ashland Productions, invited contestants of all ages to step into the spotlight and audition for their chance to take the stage. Dozens of applicants answered the call and performed an acapella piece before a panel of judges at auditions held on March 13 and 14. Now, our judges have selected the best of the best to move on to compete in the Final 15! The Final 15 will serve as the last test for contestants competing to win one of two grand prizes – each valued at over $4,500! Youth will be singing for a chance to win a Disney vacation for two while adults are hoping to win a studio recording package.
Contestants will have the opportunity to perform the song of their choice before a panel of industry experts and a live audience. Following the performances of all contestants, audience members will have a chance to vote for their favorite artist. The final score will be determined from a combination of judge’s score and audience vote.
Meet Our Judges
Both of our Final 15 shows will be judged by an elite panel of industry professionals. Meet our judges:
· Kevin Bowe – Adult Judge:Kevin Bowe is a singer, songwriter, and producer whose songs have sold over 12 million units. Kevin’s latest studio projects include developing artists like Joanne Shaw Taylor (UK soul rocker) and Caroline Smith (indie pop singer/songwriter). He is also scoring for television, writing frequently in Nashville and producing several regional Midwestern bands.
· Kevin Werner Hohlstein – Youth/Adult Judge: Kevin began his music career at the UW–Eau Claire. While there, he worked with American Entertainment productions as a featured singer, performed in productions at Fanny Hill Dinner Theater and was involved with the Eau Claire Children’s Theater. Most recently Kevin has directed for New Breath Productions, wrote and directed for Minnesota PerformDance, served as music director for Eight Ball productions and as choreographer for many companies across the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. Kevin also teaches out of his home studio, Barefoot Vocal Studio as a private vocal teacher and coach.
· Rich Leone – Youth/Adult Judge: Owner of FS Productions/Fuzzy Slippers Studio, Rich has recorded many local and national projects. Most recently FS recorded tracks for gospel/R&B artist Ann Nesby (grandmother of American Idol finalist Paris Bennett) which were nominated for a 2010 Grammy. Rich, an accomplished pianist/producer himself, has professional level experience in many areas of the music industry, including songwriting, recording, radio promotion, publishing, touring and record distribution.
· Ward Rubrecht – Adult Judge: Ward Rubrecht is a culture writer and website jack-of-all trades at City Pages. He covers spoken word, slam poetry, and outlaw country music in between bouts of deadline-itis In his free time, you'll likely find him biking around the Chain of Lakes, catching a rockability show at Lee's, or chilling at home with a good book.
· Danielle Thrush – Youth Judge: Danielle’s devotion to music began in the churches, choirs, musicals, and talent shows of her youth. However, in June, 2008 at the age of 18 the now all-grown-up singer produced her first EP, “Long Way Down.” Backed up by a talented band,“Long Way Down” received critical acclaim in the Minneapolis music scene and led to invitations to play at venues throughout the Twin Cities as well as airplay on Twin Cities indie station, 89.3 The Current. Danielle followed up with her EP titled "Hello" in early 2009 which was featured with her on Radio Disney's "Next Big Thing" competition in which she was found in a national search and selected to be a featured artist on Radio Disney.
Don't miss special guest performer, Alison Scott - one of the strongest new voice to come out of the Minneapolis music scene - perform live! Reserve your spot to shape the Minnesota music scene - purchase your ticket for the Final 15 – and your opportunity to vote - today!
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