Press Releases
January 15, 2008
North Dakota's Newest Musical Star Shines at Marketplace
Conrad, Johnson Announce Winner of 2008 Talent Competition
Grand Forks – Eight talented vocalists from across North Dakota battled it out on stage at the Alerus Center tonight in the second annual Marketplace Talent Search. Following a sensational concert an energetic audience helped choose Angela Thompson as the winner of North Dakota’s largest and most exciting musical talent competition.
“This was an amazing show. Tonight, we turned the spotlight on the terrific musical talent North Dakota has to offer,” Senator Conrad and Commissioner Johnson said. “It was a difficult decision. Everyone on stage was a winner tonight, but the judges singled out Angela Thompson. We hope to help Angela turn her dreams of stardom into reality.”
The Talent Search finalists were chosen from more than 90 entrants from across the state.
A lifelong performer who’s been writing her own songs since age 14, Angela, 24, wowed the judges with a rendition of her original song, “Kiss My Worries Goodbye.”
As the 2008 Marketplace Talent Search winner, Angela will receive $10,000 in cash and prizes, including a recording session with Makoche Recording Company, a Grammy-nominated studio in Bismarck.
The judges for the competition included David Swenson of Makoche Recording Company, Merrill Piepkorn from North Dakota Public Broadcasting, and Mark Landa from the Empire Arts Theatre in Grand Forks. The audience helped the judges in their selection; judges used an applause meter to rank the audience’s reaction to each contestant.
The Talent Search helped kick-off events surrounding Marketplace for Entrepreneurs, the state’s largest and longest running economic development conference.
On Wednesday, Jan. 16th, Marketplace opens its exhibit floor to the public. More than 300 exhibitors and nearly 100 classes are available to anyone interested in learning new business skills, starting a new business or improving an existing business.
Marketplace is North Dakota’s premiere economic development effort. The day-long event brings together aspiring entrepreneurs, universities, foundations and community and business leaders to exchange ideas, discuss the latest innovations and share skills and technology.
Senator Conrad and Commissioner Johnson are the organizing sponsors of Marketplace.
