Jake Willis wins Charleston Rising Star Competition 2021

CHARLESTON, S.C. - EntSun -- Early this year three Charleston groups joined forces to sponsor a singer/songwriter competition. The Patt Atchley Foundation provided sponsorship for Magus Productions and Bach2Rock Music School to create a fundraising event that would help local musicians and begin a scholarship fund for Summer Music Camp at Bach2Rock.

"Our purpose for the competition was to promote original music in the Charleston area, and help the performers who lost income during COVID shutdowns," explained Georgie Rhein, coordinator of the event. "The winner receives a cash prize and a recording contract with Mt. Pleasant music studio, Magus Productions. All monies earned from Rising Star events will create a scholarship fund for music camps this summer."

Nine local artists submitted entries and Jake Willis won the competition with his original song "No One Left In My Hometown." Originally from Columbia, SC, Jake sings and plays guitar in a local duo, Willis & Willy.  Last year, he recorded six of his original songs in a digital EP titled "Where I Am" available on all streaming platforms like Spotify or simply go to jakewillis.hearnow.com.

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Today, Jake is working on a new single release "Never Thought You'd Leave" that will be produced by Magus Productions as part of his recording contract.

The Rising Star judges chose Will Foulkes of Mt. Pleasant to receive the Scholarship Award as runner-up in the recent competition.

Several Rising Stars and Charleston artists like Dave Landeo, Charles Parks and Noah Grove will perform at Ghost Monkey Brewery on Saturday, May 1, 1-3pm as Magus Productions releases two new singles "Heroes" and "This is my life." With Brad Dunnells as the band's mentor, one of the Bach2Rock student bands will close the show.  The brewery is located at 522 Wando Ln. in Mt. Pleasant and has outdoor seating that is COVID safe.  Bring the family to support live music and enjoy a free outdoor concert. Go to this Facebook page for event details: https://www.facebook.com/RisingStar2021.