Prodiggy wins first place at the Star Catcher Finals

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Cross Lake, Manitoba’s outcast heavy metal band, Prodiggy, crunched their way into a nationally televised performance slot during the 2007 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards (APCMA) when they won first place at the Star Catcher talent search finale during the Red River Ex’s National Aboriginal Day celebrations in Winnipeg last week. The boys beat out 11 other amateur talents competing in the first installment of this Aboriginal artist development project.

The other acts vying for this top spot were Roxy Flett, Richard McKay, Shaun T Roulette and Rude Mood, Ken Boulette, Alyssa Nepinak, Wambde Chante Hanska, Mary Mahler, Tiffany Ducharme, Melissa Galvin, Jerry Sereda, and Evan Reeve. Galvin and Sereda finished in second and third, respectively, earning a performance slot during the APCMA First Night Gala on November 1 for second place and a performance slot during the Manito Ahbee MusicFest from November 1-3 for third.

Each of the 12 contestants qualified for the finale during one of the three Star Catcher shows. A total of 40 aspiring singers and bands competed at the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Winter Tribal Days in Brandon, the Hollow Water First Nation, and the Vision Quest Conference in Winnipeg. First, second and third place cash prizes were awarded at each of these stops, with the top four also earning the opportunity to record one song at a professional studio in Winnipeg with a trained producer. Once completed, the songs were released on a compilation CD featuring each of the artists.

The Star Catcher project was hosted by the Manitoba Aboriginal Music Host Committee; the organization responsible for the Manito Ahbee Festival and the APCMA. Committee Chairperson, Lisa Meeches says, “Over the past several months we've seen some of our most gifted singers and songwriters from the Aboriginal communities take center stage. Their strong voices are a reflection of the spirited energy that represents all nations. Star Catcher is a success.”

The Star Catcher finale featured performances by each of the contests and included headline sets by C-Weed, Leela Gilday, Don Amero, Tracy Bone and JC Campbell. Recording artist Kimberley Dawn handle the role of master of ceremonies and recently elected Southern Chief’s Organization Grand Chief Morris Shannacappo made a guest appearance, performing the Orange Blossom Special for the 500+ crowd at the Red River Ex’s Central Park Stage.

For more information about the Star Catcher project, please visit the Manito Ahbee wesbite: www.manitoahbee.com

To order copies of the Star Catcher compilation CD, please contact the Manito Ahbee office: P: (204) 956.1849 | Toll Free: (866) 449.0251 | E: info@manitoahbee.com

For more information about the APCMA, please visit their website: www.aboriginalpeopleschoice.com

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