It is not easy getting ahead in the music industry. It takes a lot of sweat and determination to get there. But there is an organization that has moved into San Diego that is starting off strong in getting local country artists recognized and one-step further in following their passions for country music.
It is not easy getting ahead in the music industry. It takes a lot of sweat and determination to get there. But there is an organization that has moved into San Diego that is starting off strong in getting local country artists recognized and one-step further in following their passions for country music.
People were in for a sweet delight as they strolled through Parkway Plaza when they stumbled upon the West Coast Country Music Association San Diego’s West Coast Country Music Challenge. Contestants from all over San Diego County came to the contest to compete in four major categories—contemporary country, traditional country, bluegrass and gospel. Entries included male and female vocalists, entertainers, bands and duets. Winners of the Oct. 11 contest received local recognition and the opportunity to compete at the national event in Tennessee this spring.
James Holland Cramer, WCCMA San Diego president said that Parkway Plaza welcomed them with open arms and have already asked for the possibilities of a winner’s concert and invited them back next year to hold the event. And it was a great venue for a singing competition. Throughout the day, different crowds came and went, giving contestants a wide variety of audience involvement in live performances. Raw and polished talent performers showed their best for nearly seven hours, many giving multiple performances.
Three judges tallied up scores for each performance, judging contestants in all categories in the quality of the musical performance, star quality, tempo and timing and stage performance. It was not an easy task as many talented performers, ranging from ages 11 and older competed in several sub categories including vocalists of the year, entertainer of the year, most promising entertainer of the year and rising star vocalist of the year.
Competitors learned the fate of the contest the following night at the awards ceremony hosted by the Bucking Delorian in Lakeside. In all 26 awards were given within the four main categories.
In full support, the WCCMA Temecula Chapter was there in full force, with several of its recent winners performing for the crowd and gaining more experience before heading out for nationals. Hosted by Temecula’s Twin McGraw aka Jeff Richards, a Tim McGraw tribute artist, the entire day was non-stop entertainment. With a fairly long break between contestants in the afternoon, Parkway Plaza was rocking with the music of Cramer’s vocals with his band Barbwire, McGraw, singer-songwriter Will Ramey as they made sure that the show kept moving forward. And so will the winners of Saturday’s contestants. Straight to Tennessee.
To find out more about the WCCMA San Diego Chapter visit www.wwccma.info or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WCCMASD.
Your West Coast Country Music Challenge 2014 Winners!
New Country
Female Vocalist of the year 7-12
Mary Matthew
Female Horizon Vocalist of the year 13-16
Isabel Colmenero
Female Most Promising Vocalist of the year 13-16
Wendy Whitney
Female Vocalist of the year 13-16
Christina Keegan
Male Most Promising Vocalist of the year adult
Tim Murray
Male Vocalist of the year adult
Robert Pesta
Female Entertainer of the year 7-12
Mary Mathew
Female Most Promising Entertainer of the year 13-16
Isabel Colmenaro
Female Entertainer of the year 13-16
Wendy Whitney
Female Entertainer of the year adult
Amanda Kay
Traditional Country
Female Vocalist of the year 13-16
Marie Cramer
Female Rising Star Vocalist of the year adult
Charyl Chavez
Female Horizon Vocalist of the year adult
Lynn Gramen
Female Most Promising Vocalist of the year adult
Suzie Brown
Female Vocalist of the year adult
Julie Rogelstad
Male Vocalist of the year adult
Nathan Timms
Female Most Promising Entertainer of the year 13-16
Marie Cramer
Female Entertainer of the year 13-16
Wendy Whitney
Female Most Promising Entertainer of the year adult
Lynn Gramen
Female Entertainer of the year adult
Suzie Brown
Duo of the year
Gwyn Sanborn and James Holland
Bluegrass
Female Vocalist of the year 7-12
Mary Matthew
Gospel
Female Vocalist of the year 7-12
Mary Matthew
Female Most Promising Vocalist of the year adult
Charyl Chavez
Female Vocalist of the year adult
Rhonda Parish
New Country Group
Group of the year Barbwire
(Mike Brozowski, Arnold Madruga, Blayne Marlow and James Holland)
