TAO kicks off Sea Level w/ Emerging Artist Contest

What happens when you put local singer/songwriters in a cozy venue (Victoria Station) together for an afternoon? Incredible music! Tidewater Arts Outreach hosted their annual Emerging Artist Contest Showcase where singer/songwriters compete to open at the Sea Level Singer Songwriter Headline show. This year, the concert will be held at the Attucks Theatre on April 1st. That’s right…tickets are on sale NOW!

Ten finalists duked it out on stage for a solo show at Zeider’s American Dream Theater, recording time at Soniqual Studio, a brand spankin’ new Paul Reed Smith SE Angelus Acoustic Guitar, radio and tv promos and a free promo video shot by yours truly JPIXX! If you missed out the sold out show, you can view each artist at the Jpixx Online Poll – where the top vote-getter will receive their very own Jpixx music video! Vote and share!!

The vibe of the crowd was warm, supportive and seriously immersed in the music. Two original song performances made it tough as an audience member to choose who should win – so you know the judges had a tough time. Check out the BTS pics from our time at the showcase.
Shout out to Jessa and Karla for taking these beautiful headshots of the finalists. Go team!

The showcase was held inside of this quaint and cozy home converted into a tea house. It’s a lot larger on the inside.

MaryAnn Tobaz talking up the crowd about the importance of the arts!

And on to the finalists 🙂 but first last year’s winner Andy Geels performed a couple of his songs to lead off the show.

Zack Salsberry serenading the crowd!

Emily Gaines

Nick Robertson

Sherri Linn

Kevin Blatnik

Lin Floyd

Robert Smith

Jerry Sowers was the last to perform and he thanked all the previous performers for opening just for him  lol!

Luke Willett got the crowd going andddd….

 …he won!!

Don’t forget to buy your tickets to the 10th Annual Sea Level  Singer/Songwriter Festival to see Luke Willett along with other talented local artists perform! Also, don’t forget to vote in the Jpixx Online Poll – you can help decide who the next Jpixx music video should go to!!