Congratulations to the 2017 Overture’s Rising Stars Winners!
Thanks to everyone who came out to show support for local friends, family members and neighbors who participated in Overture’s Rising Stars! Of the over 60 acts that auditioned this year, 19 competed for prizes in the Finals on SAT, SEP 9 in Capitol Theater. Each of the acts performed in front of a live audience and judges Barbara Bolan, Clyde Mayberry, DJ Pain 1, Jessica Lanius, Scott O’Donnell.
Grand Prize Winner ($1,000 prize & opportunity to perform at Overture next season)
“Black Earth for Piano” by Fazil Say, performed by Brianna Ware of Madison
Youth Winner (Age 6-12) ($750 prize)
“Heal the World” by Michael Jackson, vocals by Elijah Edwards of Madison
Teen Winner (Age 13-18) ($750 prize)
“At Last” by Etta James, vocals by Kaylin Brandsma of Portage
Adult Winner (Age 19+) ($750 prize)
“Great Big Waterfall” original song written and performed by Derek Fredericksen of Madison
The event was hosted by Tim Sauers, Overture’s vice president of programming and community engagement, and included a performance by Lost Lakes, featuring Overture’s 2014 Rising Star winner Corey Mathew Hart and Paul Mitch.
“We pride ourselves on encouraging and honoring local aspiring artists, whether it be through performance or educational opportunities,” said Sauers. “We could never have anticipated the number of high-quality acts that would audition or what a tremendous response from participants, community partners and audience members we would have. Rising Stars has helped to uncover local talent, like past finalists and winners Forte Fusion, Dr. Roderquita K. Moore, William Taylor and Elijah Edwards, and provides exposure and other performance opportunities to advance their artistic careers.”
Registrants pay no fees to participate in Rising Stars. For the first time this year, a preparatory workshop on JUL 15 allowed participants the chance to perform and receive constructive feedback from local professionals before the audition process in AUG at Overture and Full Compass. Following the auditions, judges deliberated and determined the 19 acts moving on to The Finals.
Overture’s Rising Stars was premiered as a local talent search aimed at highlighting and celebrating members of our local communities during Overture’s 10th Anniversary. In its first year, the program garnered more than 200 acts auditioned at six sites across Dane County.
Last year’s grand prize winner, William Taylor, will open for Canadian dance company Cas Public on FRI, OCT 20 in Capitol Theater.
This project is supported by Arts Access, a component fund of the Madison Community Foundation, Madison-Kipp Corporation & Dane Arts with additional funds from the Evjue Foundation.
