By Tracy Dietlin
The fourth preliminary installment of the 4th Annual CV Music Showcase took place this past Sunday night at The Hood Bar & Pizza with a special singer-songwriter category. Usually, there are 4 bands/artists that compete, however, one of the contestants had to drop out due to illness, so the show went on with artists Roxie Jane Barnett, Vinny Berry and Derek Jordan Gregg. All 3 performers brought there A-game and wowed the audience. It was a really cool vibe in the room with each artist’s people rooting not only for them, but the other artists as well.
They competed for $200.00 cash and the chance to advance to the Finals, which will be held on Saturday, May 4, where the Winner will take home $2,000 cash, a professional photo shoot and 4 hours of recording time at Melrose Recording Studios.
Judges for the evening were: Todd “TK” Killiam, Program Director for 93.7 KCLB; David Williams, Owner of Melrose Studios; and Julie Montante, Owner of PSA Organica and the 420 Lounge in PS. Sound was provided by Nigel Dettelbach and photos by Phil Lacombe.
The winner of the night was Derek Jordan Gregg. He commanded the stage and it was like we were watching a platinum selling artist perform. He saved his hits “Primordial Blues” and “Firewater” for the end, which sealed the deal. His passionate vocals, guitar skills, song lyrics and the stage presence of a consummate professional beyond his years, gave him the win.
Below are the judge’s comments.
Roxie Jane Barnett
Julie Montante: “I think she’s ready for a TV competition like The Voice.”
TK: “I was welling up over the control you have with your voice.”
David Williams: “She could easily front a big rock band.”
Vinny Berry
David Williams: “You’re connection with the crowd was awesome. They love you. And I loved your lyrics.”
TK: “You’re voice is amazing! I want you on KCLB.”
Julie Montante: “I loved your lyrics and your voice. I see big things for you.”
Derek Jordan Gregg
TK: “I felt like you were way too big for this stage even as a solo act, like I was watching Glastonbary Live.”
Julie Montante: “You are such an amazing talent. I can’t wait to see what your future holds.”
David Williams: “I loved your rhythms and your looper pedal. I know you’re young, but it feels like you’ve been on stage your whole life. Your songwriting is amazing and those lyrics will be stuck in my head.”
The next Preliminary Showcase will take place at The Hood on April 7. The Finals will take place on Saturday, May 4th at The Hood. Bands already in the Finals are: Empty Seat, Giselle Woo & the Night Owls, Ormus, and Derek Jordan Gregg. There will also be one Wild Card pick from all the bands that have competed in the 5 preliminary rounds.
