Star Search: Wing members participate in national-level music contest

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ebony Nichols
  • 917th Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AFB, LA --  Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell aren't the only judges of a national search for good singers. A country music talent search requested the services of several Wing maintainers to judge singers in Nashville, Tenn.

Tech. Sgt. Joseph Javens, 917th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural repair, and his wife, Kay, founders of a local management booking enterprise, employed the help of several friends and fellow Wing members for this year's Nashville Music Network Showcase 2006 Aug. 26-27. Approximately 150 contestants competed for a one-year contract with Capitol Nashville, a music video, television exposure and a CD recording.

Sergeant Javens served as master of ceremony for the evening, while Master Sgt. Billy Cliff and Tech. Sgts. Joseph Welebob and Matthew Johnson rotated in the emcee and judge positions.

"I emceed the event and ensured each and every contestant got a real good introduction," said Sergeant Javens. "They participated because of their love of Country music, so they deserved a good introduction."

The Javens' management and booking company has been booking, signing and managing country singers for a little over a year now, and "we have made a real stride in Nashville," Kay said.

"We saw a lot of people singing there (Nashville) that could potentially fulfill our business dreams," said Sergeant Javens. "And I participated in this to help some artists possibly fulfill their life long dream of being a country recording artist."

This particular opportunity arose when Kay contacted the network about one of her artists, Todd Bolton, who performed at the Showcase last month. While Kay was booking her artist, Todd Bolton, she was asked to be the head judge and supply the others.

The Javens plan to take their show on the road more once Joe retires.

"She'll (Kay) have me traveling and checking out country artists in Nashville," he said. "It's (Nashville) our home away from home."