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MEISA’s first UNA Music Showcase was a success, according to MEISA

President Mason Kirkland. “I thought the awards that were given

were well deserved,” he said.

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MEISA Vice President Traci Hite was very pleased with the turnout.

“I really think it went smooth, and all the performers were

awesome,” Hite said.

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MEISA’s guest judges included music industry insiders such as

Suzanne Bolton from FAME Recording Studios, songwriter Mark

Narmore, and radio personality from Kix 96 Josie Lane. 

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“There was great talent and great showmanship,” MEISA Secretary

Karyn Lowe said. “The judges did an awesome job.”

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“The performances were a great choice,” UNA student Shanaah Cole

said. “They all did equally great and I am looking forward to next

year’s showcase.”

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The judges awarded duet Grace and Spencer (Grace Oaks and Spencer

Murphy) the award of Entertainer of the Year. With the award of

Entertainer of the Year, Grace and Spencer will have an opportunity

to have a time block in the upcoming Spring Festival. Oaks and

Murphy had a packed section of supporters to cheer them on during

the performance.

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“I think everybody here did a great job and we are honored to have

this award,” Oaks said.

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 “We are stoked to be performing in the Spring Festival,” Murphy

added. 

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 The judges also gave out many more awards. The judges awarded

Group of the Year to Only in Stories, a Christian alternative band.

Female Vocalist of the Year went to Sheni Hamilton, Male Vocalist

of the Year went to Ben Skipworth, Song of the Year went to Only in

Stories for their original work, and the Horizon Award went to

Caleb Banks.

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“I love it, and I am super excited,” Hamilton said. “I think

everyone else did an awesome job, I really liked Only in Stories, I

think one of my friends was in tears during their

performance.”

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Archie Hubbard also performed during the showcase. Hubbard was The

Department of Entertainment Industry’s artist they chose to be

signed to Singing River Records, the department’s own student-run

record label. 

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