The Northwest Artist Syndicate presents the Singer Songwriter Showdown

This Friday 10 local musicians will take the stage at Crush in Whitefish for the Singer Songwriter Showdown.

The event is being sponsored by the Northwest Artist Syndicate. The Syndicate just turned a year old, and this is the first competition event they’ve produced.

Founder Erica von Kleist said the idea for the Northwest Artist Syndicate came out of a “need in the community.”

According to the Syndicate’s website: “The Northwest Artist Syndicate is a booking agency and database of talented, professional artists and musicians based mainly in the Flathead Valley area of Montana. All of the artists the NAS represents are seasoned, professional experts in their field all of whom have years of experience and extensive portfolios. The NAS aims to become the go-to resource for talent in northwestern Montana, and represent the best of what the area has to offer.”

Von Kleist said the organization’s goal is to increase the local community’s support of the art scene. After the first year of operation, Von Kleist said, “so far so good!”

The Singer Songwriter Showdown event, according to Von Kleist, is “an opportunity to showcase some incredible talent.”

“The creative energy here in the Valley is so exciting,” Kleist said. “Hopefully this event will serve to encourage local artists.”

The Northwest Artist Syndicate put out a call for singers and songwriters to apply for the competition late last year. Von Kleist said they received a great response and several dozen applications. Those applicants were narrowed down to a list of the top 10 finalists who will be performing in the Showdown on Friday.

“[Auditioning] can be a daunting process,” Von Kleist said. “I’m so proud of all the applicants who sent in materials.”

The finalists who were selected are Jael Johnson, Colton Christensen, Old Sap, Oshinn Reid, Nick Spear, Mike Murray, Ashley Crevier, Halladay Quist, Julie Tiehen and David Walburn.

The Showdown will be run “American Idol” style. Each finalist will perform two original songs live for a panel of judges. The judges will then give feedback. After all finalists have performed judges will select the top three to move on to the last round. Those three singers will perform one additional song to determine the winner.

Prizes will be given for first, second and third place. Winnings include gear, cash and studio time. Sponsors for the event include Music One Workshop, American Bank, D’Addario and Crush Lounge.

The panel of judges is comprised of three of the Valley’s well-known art professionals; John Dunnigan, Alicia Blake and Marco Forcone.

JOHN DUNNIGAN: Three decades ago Dunnigan found his way to Montana, and has been one of the state’s most storied performers ever since. A regular at the Great Northern, Boat Club, and festivals area-wide, he is known as a consummate guitarist, a master of prose, and a favorite among locals. With his uncanny wit, humor and musicianship, he has brought smiles to his audiences for years, and is a true Montana treasure.

ALICIA BLAKE: Blake has been a fixture on the Flathead Valley arts scene for years. She is one of the founders of Stumptown Players, a local theater company that employs the talents of local actors in it’s productions. She is also a regular on “Happy Hour” on Big Valley Radio, and has her own weekly show “The World According to Alicia.” For years she has been one of the key personalities involved in the Whitefish Winter Carnival, and is a true supporter of arts and music here in the Valley.

MARCO FORCONE: Hailing from Los Angeles, Forcone made a home for himself in Whitefish five years ago. For decades he worked as a drummer in several top hard rock and metal bands in Los Angeles, and began a career as a studio and live sound engineer. He has been a part of several highly successful music business endeavors, including contracts with Atlantic Records, and several tours with Pearl Jam. Since moving to Montana, Marco has become one of the most sought-after sound engineers in the valley, has founded a video production company, and is “The Force” in the New Wave Time Trippers.

The Singer Songwriter Showdown begins at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, at Crush Lounge, 124 Central Ave. in Whitefish. Tickets are $13, available now online and at the door.

For more information about the Northwest Artist Syndicate and the Singer Songwriter Showdown, visit www.northwestartistsyndicate.com.

Entertainment editor Stefanie Johnson can be reached at 758-4439 or ThisWeek@dailyinterlake.com.