“Following my dreams” is how J. Holiday ended up with “Bed,” his hit song that went to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Now, on the brink of releasing a new album, Holiday will show independent artists performing at I Am Cre8tiv Live just how to do it on Center Stage this month.
He will perform his hit songs in addition to songs from his upcoming album. Olivia Chisholm, a runner up in the 2012 “Duets” competition on ABC, and Mathai Cauley, a second season winner on the NBC’s “The Voice,” will also perform.
I Am Cre8tiv Live is a show series that will feature a different genre of music each month at Center Stage. The September 2013 show features R&B and pop music. October features hip-hop, and November highlights gospel. There will be 10 shows through July of 2014. After the winners are chosen from each genre throughout the event series, there will be a special IACL show next summer bringing all the winners together to perform.
“We will not only be bringing exceptional new talent, but we will be helping those artists who are serious about their music careers show they’re prepared to go to the next level,” says Jai Curry, creative director and co-executive producer of the event.
The first IACL show will be held at 6 p.m. on Sept. 22 at the Center Stage Theatre in Atlanta.
I Am Cre8tiv Live, which made its debut in August 2012, is designed to bring exposure to Atlanta musicians, singers, songwriters, and producers who are either emerging talent or who have been contributing to the vibrant, diverse musical fabric found in Atlanta. The live show features performances by independent artists who will compete for an award and prizes. Designed to be an interactive experience, the audience can vote for their favorite performers via text during the show. The winner will be awarded a cash prize, management, music video production, touring opportunities, and more.
“There are people out here who have been doing some great things musically in Atlanta for years, as well as those who we’re just beginning to hear from, and we want to help take them out of the shadows and shine a light on their musical brilliance,” says Curry.
During an award segment of the show, nationally-known artists from Atlanta will be recognized for their creative artistry with two sets of recognitions given: the “Mainstream Award” and the “Cre8tiv Award.” The Mainstream Awards are for seasoned music industry professionals known for their work as singers, producers, songwriters, entrepreneurs, etc. The Cre8tiv Awards are for those who have done great work in the industry on a local basis, but in some cases, may not be as well known.
Recipients of the 2013 IACL Mainstream and Cre8tiv Awards include hit music producer Jazze Pha; 70’s R&B singer Jean Carne; Keisha Jackson, daughter of R&B singer Millie Jackson, and Atlanta Housewives star, R&B singer and successful businesswoman Kandi Burruss.
Artists can register for the competition by going to www.iamcre8tivlive.com.
By: Annette Johnson
