Nashville, TN (www.littlenashvillemusic.com) - J Juliano and Adrienne Grove, the Illinois
State Winners, from
Chicago walked away with the Midwest Regional title and an all-expense paid trip to the
National Final of the 25th Annual Colgate Country Showdown in Nashville, Tennessee. The Midwest Regional was held at Royal River Casino in Flandreau, South Dakota. The six other acts who competed in this Regional won their local and state competitions were Bryan Popp & the River Divide WDMP Dodgeville, WI; Shawn Mayer KODY North Platte, NE;
Christina Thomas KZPK St. Cloud, MN; Greg Amundson KKWS Wadena, MN; Jennifer Thompson KBXB Sikeston, MO and Carrie Joy KYLS Farmington, MO.
Before winning the Illinois State Final, Juliano and Grove won their local competition sponsored by WUSN of Chicago, IL. As an award-winning songwriter/vocalist/multi-instrumentalist, Juliano began guitar at just 5 years old. In 1998 he opened for Toby Keith in Chicago and realized his love of the Windy City. He began performing throughout the Southeast and Midwest, sharing the stage with Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Diamond Rio and Sawyer Brown, to name a few. When Juliano and his wife learned they were expecting their first child, he began 'Little Nashville' - country music for kids that teaches important lessons and values with a bit of rock at the same time. 'Little Nashville' went from the studio to the road, bringing Adrienne Grove into the mix.
The singer/actress began belting out The Star-Spangled Banner also at a young age - 3. The Southwestern University graduate received a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, and plays the guitar, flute and piano. She has performed with Starlight Theater, Park Ridge Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Savoy-aires and several others. Since joining forces in 'Little Nashville,' Grove and Juliano have performed in front of thousands together. They have opened for Josh Gracin and have been honored with the title of Best Children's Act of 2006 by the On the Waterfront Festival in Rockford. Displaying their songwriting talents in Saturday's competition they performed an original piece, Dry County, Charlie Daniels' The Devil Went Down to Georgia.
In January, Juliano and Grove will compete in the National Final at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. The five regional winners from across the country will receive an all expense-paid trip to the National Final to compete for $100,000 and the coveted National Title of Best New Act in Country Music. The National Final will be televised nationally in March and April 2006.
