Capitalizing on America’s craze for competitive showmanship, Bellewood is launching an exciting event that challenges young bands, musicians and singers in Kentucky to showcase their talents in a competitive setting. They’re calling the musical extravaganza “BelleWoodstock.”
The fun-filled event takes place Saturday, October 16, at the Capitol Arts Theatre in Bowling Green with country music artist, Clay Underwood, as master of ceremonies.
“Helping kids and families is at the core of our mission,” Bellewood’s Director of Operations for Western Kentucky, Kristy Watt, said. “We wanted to build a fun event that brings the community together, celebrates the creativity of young people and helps increase awareness of our organization.”
The contest is divided into three categories: bands eighth grade and under, bands ninth to 12th grade, and solo artists from first to 12th grade. Entries are due September 1, and require a sample of music. Once all the submissions are in, Bellewood will select three artists from each category to perform at the event.
A panel of judges, along with the help of the audience, will critique the performers. One award will be presented for the top performance in each category, along with honors for best performance overall. Residing over the ceremony, Clay Underwood will present the grand prize winner with an opportunity to perform at the legendary Blue Bird Café in Nashville.
“I’m very glad to see an organization like Bellewood that does so much for its community step forward and offer young people a chance to showcase their talents,” Underwood said. “It’s important for kids and teens to have an opportunity to explore music, and this event supports that need in a fun, creative way.”
BelleWoodstock welcomes every genre of music and is hopeful the contest will bring an assortment of performers. Aside from talent, Bellewood needs sponsors and support for its red-carpet event. Slim Nash, Associate Director of Western Kentucky Operations, is engaging individuals and businesses in the community to get behind the initiative.
“With arts programs being cut from school curriculums, we feel our event will give an opportunity for young people to explore their talents,” Nash said. “We’re hoping that the community really comes together to support this in what ways it can.”
Visit www.bellewood.org/music for more information.
