After sampling across the United States while searching for America’s most talented, unfiltered musical acts, our client, Wholly Guacamole, has announced its Live Wholly Festival. The inaugural event — which takes place on September 17 in Salt Lake City, Utah – will be free to the public and features headlining indie-rock all-stars Cold War Kids.

In June, Fast Horse helped Wholly Guacamole launch a cross-country tour, hosting open-mic nights in search of America’s most talented and authentic musicians. We selected finalists from Nashville to Los Angeles, and a sixth was chosen from online submissions. The amount of truly talented folks that performed at each open mic was astounding. Music influencers from each city served as judges and were tasked with selecting just one winner. Of the six finalists, one will receive the grand prize of $10,000 to put towards their musical aspirations, as well as the opportunity to open for Cold War Kids at the Live Wholly Festival.

Who do you want to see in Salt Lake City? VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE TODAY and you could win a trip for two to attend the festival in September!

MEET THE FINALISTS:

Brad Blackburn, Nashville — A young songwriter, Belmont music student and native of San Antonio, Blackburn’s classic bluesy style and smart lyrics impressed the crowd at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Café.

https://youtu.be/_-YS4So_lfc

Mack Sterr and Mark Dennison, Chicago — Originally from Motown, Sterr’s unique brand of indie/folk/pop brought the house down at Chicago’s famous Elbo Room. Dennison, who is also from Chicago, accompanied Sterr’s winning performance on a cajon drum.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQf0twlOBrc

Semaj Douglas and Jordan Lorrius, New Orleans — Performing as Love Evolution, these elementary school teachers’ urban folk sound won at the NOLA House of Blues.

https://youtu.be/XvYmN36g3Ko

Nici Peper, Minneapolis — Born and raised in the Midwest, Peper is an acoustic Americana songbird with soulful and honest lyrics that enchanted fans at the Riverview Café in Minneapolis.

https://youtu.be/ee8SQGwKenk

Vanessa Wheeler, Los Angles — A native of Brazil, Wheeler’s unique blend of Brazilian beats and California indie sounds captivated the crowd at the historic El Cid in L.A.

https://youtu.be/E5lcAWcliLE

Olivia Thai, Pasadena – Thai is a southern California triple threat – songwriter, musician and entrepreneur – who came out on top in the online submissions at livewhollytour.eatwholly.com