Finalist - 51 Project
Formed in 1998 as a Jazz group in Oakland Ca. 51 Project is a Neo Soul inspired fusion of Jazz, Pop, R&B, and Soul. The group performs live shows throughout New England. Consisting of mostly Berklee grads, the group’s live shows have been quoted as being “electric and vibrant… a new start to an old love (music)”
Listen to their music here.
The Macon Music Competition judges narrowed down all the entries to the top 5. Whether it was a sound, a strong voice, or lyric writing, each of the 5 vying for the $25,000 prize package have something to offer. The Macon Music winner will be unveiled at the Macon City Auditorium in Macon, Georgia on Saturday, September 10 during the Otis Redding Evening of Respect Gala. History was made when Otis Redding was discovered here. Who knows what history we will make Saturday night!
Finalist - Shari Clarke
Shari Clarke Moved to Macon, Georgia in 2007 for school. She started at Wesleyan College and transferred to Mercer University in 2010. After graduation, she planned to attend law school but things didn’t go as smoothly as she hoped. After some soul searching, she decided that music was what made her truly happy. Singing since the age of 6, she saw the Macon Music Competition as a way to reach for her goals. To Shari, music is more than just simply sound. Music is a reason for living and an opportunity to share experiences and gifts with the world.
Listen to her music here.
The Macon Music Competition judges narrowed down all the entries to the top 5. Whether it was a sound, a strong voice, or lyric writing, each of the 5 vying for the $25,000 prize package have something to offer. The Macon Music winner will be unveiled at the Macon City Auditorium in Macon, Georgia on Saturday, September 10 during the Otis Redding Evening of Respect Gala. History was made when Otis Redding was discovered here. Who knows what history we will make Saturday night!
Finalist - Floco Torres
Kevin “Floco Torres” Williams, Jr. got his name from a childhood friend’s grandmother. When she passed away, he took her last name Torres and create a brand that would influence people to inquire before they judge (Black Man - Spanish Name). By the age of 23, Floco had created his own hollywood call “Psychadelphia”, won two indie awards, and created a fan base from his hometown of Willingboro, New Jersey all the way down to Macon, Georgia. With his new album “Floco’s Modern Life” funded solely by his fans through online outlet Kickstarter, Floco continues to make his mark as one of the next influential entertainers/entrepreneurs/inspirations in the industry.
Listen to his music (and catch some interesting videos) here.
The Macon Music Competition judges narrowed down all the entries to the top 5. Whether it was a sound, a strong voice, or lyric writing, each of the 5 vying for the $25,000 prize package have something to offer. The Macon Music winner will be unveiled at the Macon City Auditorium in Macon, Georgia on Saturday, September 10 during the Otis Redding Evening of Respect Gala. History was made when Otis Redding was discovered here. Who knows what history we will make Saturday night!
Finalist - Eric Jennings
Singer/songwriter/musician Eric Jennings of Atlanta Ga.’s Geisha Hit Squad has done just about everything from butcher Alaskan King Crab two hundred miles from the Russian border, run a machine dispenser in a cough drop factory, work in a hundred capacity dog shelter, and become a Residential Assistant in a high profile substance abuse treatment center while pursuing his musical career.
Musically he delivers songs that can be introspective, witty and thought provoking. Some of his influences are Jay Farrar, Bob Dylan, Radiohead, Peter Gabriel and Neil Young. Currently Eric is working on booking his National Solo Acoustic tour in support of “Experimenting With Mirrors”, his sophomore cd. Thru a small but dedicated fan base he was able to raise 4000.00 in 60 days to have the cd professionally mastered and to have merchandise to sell at shows.
Listen to his music here.
The Macon Music Competition judges narrowed down all the entries to the top 5. Whether it was a sound, a strong voice, or lyric writing, each of the 5 vying for the $25,000 prize package have something to offer. The Macon Music winner will be unveiled at the Macon City Auditorium in Macon, Georgia on Saturday, September 10 during the Otis Redding Evening of Respect Gala. History was made when Otis Redding was discovered here. Who knows what history we will make Saturday night!
Finalist - Alexis Vear
Alexis Vear is a soulful singer/songwriter/multi-talented artist who is inspired by the what she sees in the realities of everyday life. Alexis has always felt a deep calling to share the images she sees in different ways.
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, as a young child, Alexis started writing songs secretly, while openly expressing herself through visual art. It was later in life, at the age of 32, that Alexis started sharing her music. In 2004, Alexis released her debut album, “Never Give Up”, an acoustic record full of heart and soul that received national airplay on NPR. Internationally, her CD sold on 3 continents. In 2005, Alexis moved from Greensboro, NC to Atlanta, Georgia. In 2008, Alexis released “Let It Go” which as inspired by her love of John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, U2, and Atlanta singer songwriter Shawn Mullins.
After years of taking a break from fine art, Alexis felt a calling to combine her fine art and music. Recently, Alexis launched her new store called Alexis Vear Creations. While living in Georgia, she has been bitten by the blues and is excited to create an organic compilation that will blend her love of blues, country, rock and folk together into something that will truly touch her listeners heart.
Listen to her music here.
The Macon Music Competition judges narrowed down all the entries to the top 5. Whether it was a sound, a strong voice, or lyric writing, each of the 5 vying for the $25,000 prize package have something to offer. The Macon Music winner will be unveiled at the Macon City Auditorium in Macon, Georgia on Saturday, September 10 during the Otis Redding Evening of Respect Gala. History was made when Otis Redding was discovered here. Who knows what history we will make Saturday night!
