Young musicians have chance to be heard
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about the Midwest Artist Network or to become a member of the network; or for more information about Midwest Artist Search Junior 2010, to register for the competition or to become a corporate sponsor of the competition, contact Gretch Hladish at (262) 949-4358 or submissions@midwestartistsearch.com or go to midwestartistsearch.com.
WALWORTH — A network of musicians is giving emerging singers and songwriters a chance to shine on a real-life stage.
The Midwest Artist Network, which last spring produced a regional talent competition for adult singers and this spring is producing a similar talent competition for young singers, rapidly is taking hold in the area, said Mark and Gretch Hladish, the force behind the network.
The Walworth couple perhaps best known for their cabaret-style shows at Millie’s Restaurants & Shopping Village in Delavan Township believe the network offers up-and-coming musicians the opportunity to realize their dream of making it in the music industry.
“The music industry is this big funnel, and it funnels out just three drips to the public,” Mark said. “Independent, emerging musicians still don’t have the audience they deserve. We want to change that.”
The Midwest Artist Network is an alliance of singers, songwriters and other musicians sharing information, experiences and resources to develop the potential of regional artists through mentorship, publicity and performances.
Up-and-coming musicians receive vocal, instrumental and songwriting coaching and get the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. Professional musicians get the opportunity to give back and network with each other.
The network produces regional talent competitions not only to draw musicians into the network but also to offer them a chance to realize their musical aspirations.
“Once artists get the opportunity to come in and show what they can do … then we help them with their next step, whatever it is that they want to do,” Gretch said. “It’s almost like an internship.”
The first product of the network, Midwest Artist Search 2009, a regional talent competition held last spring in Lake Geneva, was a huge success, the couple said. Eighty people from five states competed; 20 people advanced to the finals, and 10 got the chance to record songs. More than 100 people attended each of the live submission events, and about 250 attended each of the elimination rounds, they said.
Grand-prize winner Gaia Galvan of Janesville is working on recording a 10-song CD, and nine second-place winners are starting to write and record songs for a sampler CD.
“It’s not just another contest to crown the next ‘Idol,’” Gretch said. “We link experienced and emerging artists to a network of people who have heard the collective cry, ‘How do I ever get started, get heard, get exposure in the music industry?’”
The next product of the network is a regional talent competition for young singers, ages 9 to 17. Between 50 and 100 contestants will be selected in late February from singers who submit audition tracks or participate in live submission events. They will compete in groups in three live events in March.
Twenty-one finalists will compete in the final “showdown” round in late March. The top 10 will have the opportunity to appear on a sampler CD.
The Midwest Artist Network also is planning monthly meetings at which musicians can share ideas and mentor one another. It also is working on a second competition for adult singers and a conference for singer-songwriters.
“We’ll never compete with (a major record label). We’ll never be an international launching pad for these artists. But we have a unique toolbox … and for some of these people we’re the only toolbox they have,” Mark said. “We’re doing something really unique here. … We have to create a channel where we can house and share this content … because that’s how we’re going to build a true network … ”
MIDWEST ARTIST SEARCH JUNIOR 2010
Submissions
Four live submission events are being held for singers who might not have the ability to record audition pieces. One live submission event already has been held. The remaining three live submission events will be from 2-4 p.m. Sundays, Feb.7, 14 and 21, at Millie’s, N2484 County O, Delavan.
Entrants can register online at midwestartistsearch.com or in person at the event. Entrants also must fill out an application and pay a $25 submission fee, which grants them membership to the Midwest Artist Network.
Only 20 submissions will be accepted each night, and submissions are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Competition
Contestants will compete in groups in three live elimination events from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 27 and March 6 and 13 at Millie’s.
Twenty-one finalists will be selected to compete in the “showdown” round of Midwest Artist Search Junior 2010.
The public is invited to attend the elimination events. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Showdown
Finalists will compete in a show from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 20 at Millie’s.
All finalists will have the opportunity to record a song to appear on a Midwest Artist Search sampler CD.
The public is invited to attend the “showdown” events. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Feb 4, 2010 at 11:16 a.m.
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It is no surprise to me that Gretchen is working with young people to fulfill their dreams and explore their musical talents. As long as I have known Gretchen Music has been one constant part of her life. With just a guitar, her beautiful voice and charismatic personality people would gather around and join in singing for hours.
There is that thing that brings a person to life when they talk about it, a light that shines from within when they are engaged in it. Music has been that for Gretchen but more than that she has known how to see the spark of that in others and draw out that light and get them to shine. It is a rare gift. This program will benefit from her talents!
Feb 3, 2010 at 1:28 p.m.
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I was involved in the first Midwest Artist Search as a judge, and I found the environment Mark and Gretch create for singers to be incredibly refreshing. This is an organization whose motives are to bring the most out of singers, help them tap into their passions, and mentor them to shine their brightest.
Midwest Artist Network provides an opportunity for musicians, singers, songwriters to engage and collaborate. In an industry that can be unfairly critical of those who still require development, we need more groups like this that acknowledge and assist the diamonds in the rough.
Feb 3, 2010 at 1:23 a.m.
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This sounds like a fabulous tool for young, talented individuals to pursue a dream that they may have otherwise left behind due to lack of opportunity. In an industry that is so competitive, Mark and Gretch are opening a door of guidance and direction that is so very much needed yet incredibly hard to find on one's own. I can't imagine any individual not advancing in their career in some way by working with these two.
Feb 3, 2010 at 1:01 a.m.
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It really is an amazing opportunity for artists to get their talent out there. There are so many talented people that ordinarily don't have the resources to market themselves. If only this was around when I could have entered this newer youth contest I would be the first to sign up. I saw the show last year, it was such wonderful and positive atmosphere. There was such variety in the people and styles, as well as ages. It was great! I loved that it was such an intimate setting in which the singers could perform for people who wanted to hear them and where everyone supports each other without being fake and gave each other pointers and help to become the best they could be.
Feb 3, 2010 at 12:56 a.m.
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As a Janesville parent and business owner, I'm very excited to hear about this opportunity for young singer/songwriters to show off their talent and get a leg up in the music industry.
My business works to promote self-confidence and exploration in young girls. I think this contest is an excellent way for a young girl or boy to have an experience they will always remember, an experience they will draw from later on during their journey to pursue music.
Because of my love for authentic music and the joy I find when I see passion for the arts in young people, my Janesville-based company Pigtail Pals - Redefine Girly will be proudly sponsoring a scholarship for the Midwest Artist Search Junior 2010.
Feb 3, 2010 at 12:16 a.m.
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This seems like a wonderful way to feature local talent and give them a venue from which to have a voice! Congratulations!
Feb 2, 2010 at 11:44 p.m.
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We all know some young singer that should be on the radio or maybe they have composed an amazing song - how interesting that we are satisfied to let some little man in a big desk in Los Angeles decide whether or not their music should ever be heard. Midwest Artist Network is rewriting the end to that story.
Feb 2, 2010 at 11:24 p.m.
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The MAGIC of this Network is how it brings together musicians of any ilk: performers, promoters, sponsors, judges, supporters, friends and family. It actually teaches, encourages, mentors and directs the "wannabees" by letting them know that they need to be dedicated and willing to work for their dreams. Midwest Artist Search 2009 surprised even the judges--some of whom agreed to do this service almost hesitantly as they envisioned juding in the "Idol" fashion, and from the getgo realized what a jewel this network's premise is, the supporters, family and friends who came to see the performances quickly morphed into supporters for EVERY PERFORMER and applauded every effort. The comaraderie was miraculous and heartwarming. Quite an experience through and through! And now it is the Juniors' turn! From the vantage of my almost eighty years I can appreciate the vision of Mark and Gretch Hladish in creating such a vehicle to work for all involved. Congratulations to ALL!
Feb 2, 2010 at 11:09 p.m.
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As a singer/songwriter I have been entertaining for 20 years on the regional level. The industry has always been more of an obstacle than a help in connecting artists to their audiences who love, and want to hear their music. It's time to change the structure. With a grass roots approach -- musicians of all types can create synergy by cooperating together. Let the music play!
Feb 2, 2010 at 10:53 p.m.
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Mark and Gretch are an amazing couple, and team. They have really got a wonderful thing going for local artists and musicians. Their energy, talent, and ability to bring out the best in others is what music is all about. Thanks for making this possible.
Feb 2, 2010 at 9:22 p.m.
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My 13 year old daughter is really looking forward to this! She has been singing/performing and taking vocal lessons since she was 7 years old. She won the Rock County fair STAR contest at 10 years old in 2006. This is a wonderful opportunity! I have talked to Gretch on the phone and she is so excited about this! Very enthusiastic! Hopefully people take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Can't wait!!
Feb 2, 2010 at 7:22 p.m.
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When there is opportunity like this ....you MUST take action...if you want to be HEARD you must get involved in this competition. Gretch and Mark are so talented that the learning you get is priceless.
Feb 2, 2010 at 7 p.m.
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Great article for a great network. Midwest Artist Search 2009 was really exciting and an awesome experience for everyone involved. My daughter was one of the 9 second place winners and just recorded her first original song. The Midwest Artist Network is a fantastic organization for getting talent off the ground.
Feb 2, 2010 at 6:51 p.m.
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This is such a great experience for networking and people helping people succeed. And they're right, it isn't just another idol contest. It's a chance for great local musicians to be heard.
Feb 2, 2010 at 4:54 p.m.
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This was an excellent article to highlight the opportunities available to young musicians in the Midwest. Mark and Gretch have created an empire of sorts to really get the ball rolling for people who are passionate about music and want to take it to the next level. Way to give back to the music community and promote learning and growth at a young age for performers and songwriters!
Feb 2, 2010 at 1:49 p.m.
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Great article. This is a great opportunity for my 10 year old daugther. She loves to sing, but we just didn't know where to start. Now we have some place that will guide her in a postivie way.
Feb 2, 2010 at 12:02 p.m.
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This is a great opportunity for young talent to get experience in performing and learning their craft.
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