The award-winning creators of Prize Fest, known for featuring the local work of filmmakers, musicians, chefs, fashion designers and comedians are bringing something new to the table. Since April 6th, Prize Foundation, the organization behind Prize Fest has been producing a regular online show, PrizeCast, but now they are shifting focus to something next-level: PrizePalooza
“Over the years, The Prize has evolved into a year-long set of programs where participants from across the world can create and refine their work through competitions, educational workshops, meetups, and performance opportunities. The goal has always been to highlight artists, their work, and to celebrate our community and PrizePalooza is another way we can continue that mission,” explained Prize Foundation executive director Gregory Kallenberg.
The online festival will take place Sunday, July 19th from 5pm to 8pm and will feature artists of local, national, and international origin. But PrizePalooza is more than just something fun to do while staying at home, it’s a fundraiser.
“This year, we were on track to reach a record number of students and artists… then a global pandemic threatened to take down The Prize — and the impact it has on these creative entrepreneurs along with it,” said Kallenberg. “What we are asking is that people donate to our IndieGoGo campaign to help us put on this event and fund our upcoming events like Prize Fest and our Film Prize Junior high school short film competition for the 2020-2021 school year.”
Donate to the PrizePalooza campaign here.
The lineup includes people from all over the world with ties to Shreveport. The list, which is still growing, is below.
- Kenny Wayne Shepherd – Kenny Wayne Shepherd continues to create genre-defining blues-infused rock n’ roll. Shepherd has built an enviable resume as an accomplished recording artist, a riveting live performer and one of the most talented and distinctive guitarists of his generation. Shepherd has sold millions of albums worldwide, received five GRAMMY® nominations, two Billboard Music Awards, as well as a pair of Orville H. Gibson awards, the Blues Foundation’s Keeping The Blues Alive award and two Blues Music awards. He’s had seven #1 blues albums and a string of #1 mainstream rock singles.
- Shinyribs – Shinyribs is the brainchild of Kevin Russell of The Gourds. “A Shinyribs show is an exaltation of spirit,” says Russell. Shinyribs is the continuation of Kevin Russell’s musical journey that began in Beaumont, TX when, at 14, he found his father’s guitar under his bed, along with a sewing machine, a billy club and a box of comic books. Luckily he chose the guitar. Following his family’s oil boom and bust migratory path he landed in Shreveport, LA where he formed his first band, Picket Line Coyotes.
- A.J. Haynes – Haynes is the lead singer of The Seratones and winner of the first ever Louisiana Music Prize. She and the band have had their songs used by brands across the globe, including Showtime, while Haynes was chosen as one of the faces of Fender guitars.
- Beach Slang (James Alex) – Beach Slang is an American punk rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed in May 2013 with lead vocalist/guitarist James Alex serving as the band’s leader, figurehead & chief songwriter. They have released 4 studio albums and 5 EP’s.
- Kathy Valentine (Go-Go’s, Bluebonnets) – Kathy Valentineis a musician and songwriter who made music history as a member of the Go-Go’s, the first all-female band to have a #1 album in the U.S. She has maintained a career in music through songwriting, recording, performing and touring as well as additional academic and creative pursuits.
- *repeat repeat – Hailing from East Nashville, *repeat repeat are the husband and wife duo of Jacob and Kristyn Corder. Often touted as “your favorite band’s favorite band,” they received critical acclaim after their 2018 premiere at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. They headlined Music Prize in 2017 and kicked off Music Prize Live Series last summer as part of our all ages showcase in downtown Shreveport.
- Airpark – Nashville based brothers Ben Ford and Michael Ford Jr. are the minds behind Airpark. This is far from their first appearance on the Music Prize stage, where they’ve been fan favorites for years.
- Bayou Punks – Brady Blade and the Bayou Punks are based in Sweden. Blade is an award-winning music producer and performer from Shreveport, LA who has previously worked with artists like Dave Matthews, Jewel, Indigo Girls, and Emmylou Harris.
- Malcolm “Papa Mali” Welbourne – An American record producer, guitarist, singer, and songwriter who grew up in Shreveport and lives in New Orleans, Louisiana. His debut recording Thunder Chicken, produced by Dan Prothero, has been referred to as “one of the few truly wild and unruly records to come from the rock & roll tradition in the 21st century.”