Thousands of musicians from across the country have been waiting to see whether they鈥檒l get to perform on one of the biggest stages in music media today.
This week, NPR announced the winner of the annual , which provides an unsigned artist with the opportunity to record one of the namesake shows 鈥� and get all the exposure that comes with it.
Ruby Ibarra was for her performance of the song "Bakunawa."
Nearly 40 artists from Vermont submitted entries this year, and we鈥檝e chosen a few to share with you.
We'll hear from instrumentalist Chris Nicotera and singer-songwriter Elbi Lewes.
Chris Nicotera
Who: Chris Nicotera is a classically trained guitarist from the Northeast Kingdom.
What: For the contest, Nicotera played one of his own compositions, a lullaby with a Latin American motif, inspired by the Green Mountains he sees outside his window everyday.
Fun fact: His folks got him into playing guitar to keep him out of trouble. He says it worked. Nicotera taught guitar for 50 years and is now retired.
Elbi Lewes
Who: Lily Burris is a Shelburne native and NYU student whose musical persona is .
What: Elbi Lewes performs a song written after the release of her debut album, Manmade. She felt like the song represented her growth in songwriting. For the Tiny Desk Contest submission, Lewes plays guitar and sings, while her childhood friend, Stella Ewald, accompanies on violin.
Fun fact: In the second chorus of the song "Winning," Lewes' lyrics 鈥� 鈥淚f I ever leave/ I know I won鈥檛 go far/ Just to where the grass is green/ 'cuz at least I鈥檒l have a yard" 鈥� are an homage to longing for home in Vermont while still wanting to stay in the city.
