Joshlyn Camille and Coco Butter
On Thursday, April 21, 2016 The House of Blues Music Forward Foundation hosted the annual “Bringing’ Down The House” Competition in Chicago. Music Forward Foundation is a National Emerging Artist Pipeline that invests in young musicians by putting them in the spotlight and giving them a chance to shine.
“Shine” is exactly what these young artists did!
Joshlyn Camille is my private voice student and protégé. In preparation for this competition, I connected her with a group of young musicians that I had worked with on several other projects. They were eager to work with her. Joshlyn Camille would call them Coco Butter. Will on piano, Isaiah on bass and Will on drums.
Joshlyn selected the songs that she wanted to sing. I choreographed and produced Joshlyn’s 15 minute set for the competition. I placed the songs in performance order, created the vocal arrangements with segues, and pianist friend Geo Cooper worked with the band to bring those arrangements to life. Joshlyn, Will, Isaiah and Will worked tirelessly during after school rehearsals.
Many congratulations to Joshlyn Camille and Coco Butter. Their hard work paid off, as they were the first place winners in the 2016 Chicago House of Blues “Bringing’ Down the House” Competition.
I am pleased and humbled to say that this is my second year having a student win this prestigious competition. My private voice student Ravyn Lenae won first place in the 2015 House of Blues “Bringing’ Down The House” Competition.
Congratulations to all of these talented, focused and hard working young artists. Looking forward to great things ahead!
The Music Business Expert Blog, By Greta Pope 