Harvest Announces 2008 CBC Galaxie Rising Star Finalists
July 25, 2008
The Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival today announced five finalists that will compete to be the 2008 CBC Galaxie Rising Star, one of the region's most important musical competitions. An important career launching pad for developing New Brunswick performers, the August 13th showcase at Dolan's Pub, is presented by the Festival and Galaxie, CBC's continuous music network, and offers regional and national exposure for the top five finalists.
This year's finalists are Cathy Hutch, Mike Cadillac and the Rockin' 88's, and Andy Brown from Fredericton; Jens Jeppesen from New Denmark; and Telfer from Florenceville.
New to the CBC Galaxie Rising Star program this year is an opportunity for fans to view band videos online at www.cbc.ca/nb and vote for their favourite performers. Finalists will then take the stage in front of a live audience and a panel of industry experts on August 13th. Finalists will be judged by the industry panel, the live audience, and online voting. Online voting begins July 28th.
"The CBC Galaxie Rising Star Showcase is a springboard for New Brunswick artists, with the finalists receiving regional and even national exposure. That exposure is even wider this year with the new online voting with CBC," says Brent Staeben, Music Director for the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival. "Supporting the New Brunswick music scene is very important to the Festival, as local musicians make up 35% of our programming. Being chosen as a top five finalist is a valuable promotion for these talented artists."
"Supporting emerging young artists is an important part of our role here at CBC New Brunswick," says CBC Radio's Program Manager, Mary-Pat Schutta. "CBC has been with the Festival since the beginning, and we are thrilled that this year we'll be able to introduce young New Brunswick talent to an even wider audience through CBC.ca."
The winner will receive a $1500 cash prize, coveted Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival Musician Passes, a feature on the CBC Galaxie website and promotion through the Rising Stars Showcase. The grand prize for the winner is a mainstage gig in the Aliant Mojo Tent on the Wednesday night of Harvest, and will be invited to perform on stage at CBC Radio's Information Morning Jazz and Blues Breakfast show (Friday, September 12th, 6:00 - 8:30AM) also at the Aliant Mojo Tent, along side the first CBC Galaxie Rising Star - Matt Andersen! The show is a fund-raiser for high school bands in Fredericton.
Galaxie champions Canadian talent by supporting the development and promotion of our musicians. Launched in 1998, this program recognizes and contributes cash awards to Canada's up-and-coming stars. Working with more than 50 partners of the music industry across the country, the Galaxie Rising Stars Program of the CBC encourages our up-and-coming stars. "We share a deep sense of passion for music with our partners and embrace the bright talent of Canadian artists on the rise. For the recipients, a Rising Stars Award is a mark of respect and recognition. For Galaxie, it is our way of showing how proud we are of our new artists!" adds Jean-Richard Lefebvre, Director, Development, Partnerships and French Programming. To this day, over 700 artists have benefited from the Program.
All five finalists are locally known for their high-quality musicianship and are set to put on a crowd-pleasing show at Dolan's next month.
Cathy Hutch
An artist through sound, words and pictures, an accomplished musician, Cathy Hutch has been involved in the Fredericton-area music scene for many years. Aside from her solo career, Cathy plays with local bands The George Street Blues Project, Tore Down, and ERA. Her first single off her debut solo album, "Not Goin' Back" has had over 32,000 hits on YouTube.
Mike Cadillac and the Rockin' 88's
A five piece band, Mike Cadillac and the Rockin' 88's bring rock-a-billy and old time rock and roll to the stage with their contagious throw-back style. Band leader, Mike Bravener, is a nationally recognized Elvis impersonator and has even graced the stage with the King's original drummer, D.J. Fontana. Mike Cadillac and the Rockin' 88's are working on their first CD together.
Andy Brown
Singer/songwriter Andy Brown has earned a loyal and committed following over the past few years with his honest lyrics, unique voice, and gifted guitar playing. A Fredericton staple, he is striving towards nation-wide exposure and will be opening the stage at this summer's North Rocks the Bay Festival for the likes of David Wilcox and Colin James. Andy's second co-produced CD is set to be released this fall.
Jens Jeppesen
Calling himself a "bluesgrass hybrid", Jens is a unique storyteller who has no trouble captivating audiences with his lightening speed guitar playing and smooth vocals. Jens is making a name for himself all over the East coast with his energetic and intense stage presence and truthful song writing. With his latest CD now available nationwide, Jens is ready to make a name for himself on the national stage.
Telfer
Telfer's funky pop-infused sound is garnering attention as the four-piece band makes all the Maritime stops to promote their debut EP. Combining inspiration from different genres of music, Telfer creates a sound uniquely their own, with a smooth song writing style that mirrors the band's chill yet upbeat vibe. These high energy performers know how to get a crowd moving with their funky groove-worthy tunes.
Past winners of the CBC Galaxie Rising Star showcase include Keith Hallett (2007), Matchstick Mike and the Chain Smokin' Alter Boys (2006), Ross Neilsen (2005), and Flat Top (with Matt Andersen) (2004). These musicians have now taken their music to national and even international levels with the help of the CBC Galaxie and the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.
