Tosa Duo Among Kids Selected to Perform at State Fair Aug. 8

The Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) today released the names of the young musicians who will be performing in the 2009 Youth Showcase, where aspiring young vocalists, duos, trios or bands showcase their talents in a non-competitive, yet professional performance venue. The following kids will perform at the World Café Stage at Wisconsin State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. This is the fifth year for the WAMI Youth Showcase; the last two events have taken place at State Fair Park.

Kayla Hawkins, from Pell Lake, is a 16-year-old country-influenced vocalist who accompanies herself on guitar.

Unconventional Forces is a 17-year-old duo from Wauwatosa. Britt Bettine and Kelson Zbichorski will perform original alt/pop using a ukulele, melodica, guitar and drums.

Owen Reed is a 17-year-old solo/acoustic guitar player from Mukwonago, who writes and performs his own songs.

From the Twin Lakes area, Half Mile Portage is a four-piece band performing original pop and bluegrass. Kenize, Delany, Tyler and Dave range in age from 14- to 16-years-old.

Abbi Bell, from Waukesha, is a 14-year-old solo/acoustic performer who writes her own songs.

Callback California, an alt/pop band of 15- and 16-year-olds from Waterford, performs original tunes with three guitars and drums.

LaCrosse’s Brandon Wimberly is a 17-year-old hip/hop musician.

Hanna Gaffney, a 16-year-old vocalist from Oconomowoc, will perform two Broadway show tunes.

The Bugs, from Kenosha, are a trio of 11-, 12- and 13-year-olds, who perform Beatles and other pop tunes acapella.

Village Idiot, from Ft. Atkinson and Milton, is a garage band of 14- and 16-year-olds. Josh Napert, 16, is lead vocalist and guitar. Alex Reilly, 16, plays guitar and keyboard. Drew Holt, 16, plays drums, and Riley Holt, 14, is the bassist.

The WAMI Youth Showcase at State Fair is not a competition. It will be emceed by Barbara Wagner, WAMI VP and youth chairperson, and Gene "GNO" Covelli, a local performer and WAMI board member.

In May, WAMI conducted a statewide search for talented musicians, ages eight to 18. The kids were required to submit a videotape, CD or DVD of a recent performance, along with a cover letter.

Since 1980, WAMI’s mission has been to promote music in Wisconsin and provide continuing education for music industry professionals through monthly meetings and semi-annual music seminars. The group also funds a Youth Music Showcase and provides scholarships to students and emerging artists.

To learn more about the 2009 WAMI Youth Showcase, visit their website at www.wamimusic.com, the WAMI Facebook Fan Page or contact WAMI at wamimusic@yahoo.com.