Music Prize Events and Musician Bios

10 BANDS. 2 NIGHTS. 1 AMAZING EXPERIENCE!

MUSIC PRIZE TURNS 9!

Music Prize began in 2013, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than continuing to bring local, regional, and national musicians to the stage once more in a fantastic, beautiful way that downtown Shreveport hasn’t seen in decades. By attending Music Prize, you are a making local (and indie) music history!

Music Prize Night One

Friday, September 24, Doors at 7:00 p.m.

The first night of Music Prize. Come see the first five bands who’ll compete for Music Prize glory!

Pugh

Pugh is an enigmatic and multifaceted artist from The Ratchet (aka Shreveport, LA). All of his art, including his music is spoken straight from the heart and highlights his feelings. He brings one simple message: “Push until greatness happens. Bet on yourself.”

The American Hotel System

Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, The American Hotel System formed in 2017 and found success on college radio. The group’s diverse musical backgrounds and influences come together on the record to make for a dynamic musical experience and emotional journey, which lead to the band being named one of BuzzMusic LA’s Top 10 acts of 2019.

Lance Thompson

Lance has been building his career as a pop artist since 2016. Influenced by his faith, family, and life experiences, he aspires to perform music that speaks to and inspires fans across the world. His signature style has become synonymous with a diverse collection of melodies and compositions.

Natalie Price

Described by Texas Music Magazine as “one of Austin’s most dynamic new singer-songwriters,” Natalie’s ethereal, one-of-a-kind sound refuses to fall neatly into one category. Just as comfortable dabbling in Americana or folk as she is indie-pop, Price’s music is perhaps best encapsulated by its deep-seated humanity.

Been Stellar

Combining punk roots with a fascination in Beat and Lost Generation literature, Been Stellar play stylish, confrontational indie rock. Coming from all around the globe and residing in the Lower East Side and Bushwick, the 5 piece share their honest account of a city saturated with aging cultural touchstones.

Music Prize Night Two

Saturday, September 25, Doors at 7:00 p.m.

The second night of Music Prize is incredibly special. Five more musicians will compete for your vote for the Music Prize trophy!

Soul Grooves

Soul Grooves is one of the most versatile bands in the state of Louisiana. This band can play any genre of music. Their styles range from smooth and sultry to pop and rock! You are in for a treat whether you like jazz, blues, soul, hip hop, R&B, pop, or neo-soul.

Bond+Plus

Bond+Plus is a modern act born from the internet, embracing any and all genres. The live band consists of Lucas Lawrence, Lauren Russel, Anthony Benedetto, Curtis Joseph, and Weldon Stutes.

Ponderosa Grove

Ponderosa Grove are a group from Prescott, Arizona. Candace Devine, Drew Hall, and Johan Glidden. We are a band with rich harmonies and groove. We love to play as an acoustic trio, an electric band, all the way up to a 9-piece band with a horn section. We love our grove and sharing musical energy with each other and our audience!

Chaynler Joie

Chaynler is a singer-songwriter, actress, model, content creator, multifaceted woman, with creativity and honest expression being the core of them all. As a Louisiana native with a music-based upbringing, her love for music and the eagerness to develop her voice and songwriting started innately at a tender age, and still grows today.

Fighting for Frequency

F4F is a New Orleans-based act forged in the fires of rock and brought together by a series of fortuitous events, the formidable five members of Fighting for Frequency are determined to share their passion for rock with their fans (Freaqs!), bringing the genre back to its former glory. Spread the fire. Music is their weapon. Become a Freaq! Join the fight!

Meet the Music Prize MENTORS

Ari Berger is an artist manager, A&R, product manager and artist advocate. She has worekd in large scale festivals, tour management, and day-to-day management for Anderson .Paak, Mereba, Alice Smith, and more. She has also worked in other capacities with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Pete Rock, and The Free Nationals. Recently Ari served as A&R and Marketing West Coast for 12Tone Music in L.A.. Scott Byrne is a native of NYC, graduating from SUNY Fredonia with studies in Music Composition and Music Business. Scott has worked out of many renowned studios including Sunset Sound in LA, Omni Studios in Nashville, and Terminus & Quad Studios in NYC. In 2016, Scott began working as Music Director for Kidz Bop Live. Maggie Gaus works in the synch licensing field: clearing, licensing, and pitching music for films and series on Disney+, Netflix, and HBOMax. After interning in the creative departments for NBCUniversal TV Music, and Universal Pictures Film Music, Maggie currently works under a three-time Emmy-winning Music Supervisor in Los Angeles. Rosa Jad, born in Saudi Arabia and living in Denver, is a nine-year radio personality. Starting as an intern, moving her way into a primetime midday show, Rosa is consistently branding herself by creating new segments, shows, and finding creative ways to market the station and herself. She has broken records in creating Denver’s local artist showcases and digital shows. Ernie Krumholz is the Director of Music Partnerships & Artist Relations at Live Undiscovered Music (LÜM), a startup that’s built a streaming music platform and social network that helps up-and-coming artists grow their fanbase. Krumholz has connected creatives across the Midwest and opened up a network of collaboration between musicians while working to grow the LÜM community. Chris Musgrave has over twenty years of experience. He is a sought-after live events consultant. From tour management, event production, logistics, and financials, he excels at creating a creative environment. He is the Chief Innovation Officer for the event production powerhouse OSA International and serves as the Director of the annually held Live Production Summit - the leading conference for live events. Alexa Ray Perkins is woman of Native American and Italian heritage. Alexa became a conduit that connected talent with videographers, studios, stylists, and more. Her work garnered the attention of veteran music executive Rodney Shealey. She has worked with Def Jam and Capitol teams after which she accepted a full-time position with Def Jam. Chris Riemenschneider has been a music critic at Minneapolis’ the Star Tribune since 2001, long enough for Prince to shout him out once during “Play That Funky Music (White Boy).” The St. Paul native authored the book “First Avenue: Minnesota’s Mainroom” and has worked as a music critic at the Austin American-Statesman. He has written for the Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, Spin, Billboard and Dallas Morning News and contributed to “The SXSW Scrapbook” and “Whole Lotta Led Zeppelin.” Jay Weigel is a distinguished composer, producer, conductor, arranger, orchestrator, and contractor for film, television, recordings, and concerts. He has worked in the film and television industry since 1984. His recent scores and soundtrack recordings can be heard in studio projects produced by Warner Brothers and Paramount Pictures. James Zammikiel has over 25 years of theater and lighting experience in the entertainment industry. His unique skill set has allowed him to design non-traditional sets to provide lighting and scenic looks for big artists. He is the lighting director for MTV LIVE at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Series and the RRHoF American Music Master Series. 21