BIG DOG 92-7?

by SaskMusic

June 11, 2012 in SaskMusic News

We are pleased to announce the Finalists for this year’s Next Big Thing competition – with judging so close that a tie has resulted in a surprise fourth spot being added to the slate. Congratulations to Blake Berglund, Foxx Worthee, Jannecke, and Myshel Pajuaar & The Midnight Roses, who will be performing live on Wednesday, June 20 for the general public and a panel of music industry jurists.

On this exciting evening, one outstanding artist will be chosen to receive the grand prize package valued at over $15,000, and the title of “Next Big Thing 2012”. Additionally, the winner will be offered a spot at the 2012 Craven Country Jamboree (beer gardens) and also an opening spot for Kellie Pickler at the Queen City Ex. This year’s champion will join the impressive list of previous winners: WYATT (2009), Chris Henderson (2010), and Jess Moskaluke (2011).

2012 Finalists (in alphabetical order):

Blake Berglund (Kennedy SK): Berglund's unique sense of storytelling and on-stage sincerity back up his upcoming album "Coyote" (June 19). Religiously performing an average of 200 dates a year and selling over 15,000 CDs door-to-door, his hard work has opened doors to perform with Corb Lund, Jason McCoy, and Emerson Drive. As a co-founder of Oceanman Records, Berglund's independent release will be sure to make waves.

Foxx Worthee (Regina SK): With their "confident and fully in-command" attitude, Crystal Smith and Nicole Perkins come off as the bad girls of country music. With sassy and smooth harmonies like no other, the duo is not afraid to be daring with their musical selections, singing everything from country classics to classic and modern rock. And they are no strangers to the highway, calling themselves "well traveled". With 3 previous singles under their belt, Foxx Worthee is gearing up to head back into the studio.

Jannecke (Saskatoon SK): Born and raised in Norway, Jannecke has been in the music industry for over 20 years, most of that spent performing with her father, the legendary Helge Nilsen, in Norway. She has played anywhere from small town halls to concert halls on a regular basis. Jannecke has the classic country voice, with a very distinctive tone. She recently spent time in Nashville to record an EP, and is enjoying performing and developing her fan base locally and regionally.

Myshel Pajuaar & The Midnight Roses (Swift Current SK): Pajuaar has been performing all her life, with a soulfully sweet voice mixed with true raw grit and country twang. Her passionate, original songwriting emulates that of Patsy Cline and Hank Williams, whom she admires. She is backed up by Eliza Doyle and Paula McGuigan, seasoned performers themselves who have toured extensively, performing at festivals alongside artists such as kd lang, Fred Eaglesmith and KT Tunstall.

This year’s contest saw a dramatic change in format. In previous years, entries were narrowed down to nine semi-finalists by an industry jury, and these “played off” in 3 live semi-final shows, with the winner of each advancing to the Finals show, where a grand prize winner was selected. This year, all submissions came in the form of video entries online. An industry jury, with the help of the general public, narrowed these submissions down to the Top 10 on June 4, and then to the Top 4 today. This year there is only one live show with 4 finalists – one chance to make an impression with their live show. It’s sure to be an intense evening!

THE NEXT BIG THING FINALS: WEDNESDAY JUNE 20, 8:30 pm
The Pump Roadhouse, Regina
Featuring Blake Berglund, Foxx Worthee, Jannecke, and Myshel Pajuaar & The Midnight Roses
Everyone welcome. Come on out and cheer on these talented artists!
Admission $5 at the door, with portion of the proceeds going to the Big Dog Kids’ Fund

Presented by Big Dog 92-7 / Astral Media.
Produced by SaskMusic, www.saskmusic.org or call toll-free 1-800-347-0676.


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