Rising Nashville Stars to Judge Texaco Country Showdown in Connersville, Indiana, 7/31

Organizers of this year's Texaco Country Showdown in Connersville, Indiana, say it will be the biggest yet, with nine contestants and special guest appearances by three Nashville artists who are starting to make names for themselves nationally.

With more than 450 participating radio stations, The Texaco County Showdown is the nation's largest and longest-running country music talent search, in which unsigned performers compete regionally and then nationally for a grand prize of $100,000 and the title of "Best New Act in Country Music." The Connersville event, organized by WIFE-FM, is increasingly attracting industry attention because WIFE is considered one of the top destinations for new country artists hoping to get noticed by major-market radio stations.

"One way new performers work their way up is by first having their music played on smaller-market stations," explained WIFE Program Director Ted Cramer. "As one of the country's premier small-market stations, a lot of industry representatives pay close attention to us, because we only play new music that we really think is good, not just what record companies pressure us to play. There is a lot of competition to get into our Texaco Country Showdown, because it is a very high-quality show."

This year's judges include two Nashville-based radio promotion executives, recording duo Branch & Dean ("The Dash"), singer Michael Dean Church ("That's How We Roll" and "Still Not Over You"), and singers Sadie Loveland, Avery Eliason and Tori Little of the Indiana-based teenage country music group Jetset Getset ("Saturday Night"), which was named by the Country Music Association among "Who New to Watch in 2013."

"There's so much talent in these shows," Little said. "It's an honor to be invited to judge the competition in Connersville alongside Michael Dean Church and Branch & Dean."

Each of the judges will perform a brief set, prior to the competition. This year's contestants are Tessa Angermeier of Owensville, Indiana; Leeza Blanton of Connersville, Indiana; Jimmy Case of Connersville, Indiana; Taylor Lynch of Louisville, Kentucky; Olivia and Alona Meek of Mooresville, Indiana; Jessica Miller of Rushville, Indiana; Maria Sarah of Bloomington, Indiana; Jamie Stephen of New Palestine, Indiana; and Alyssa Williams of Connersville, Indiana.

"Each contestant is outstanding," Cramer said. "Our judges have a tough job. This is going to be a great show."

The Texaco Country Showdown in Connersville, Indiana will take place on Wednesday, July 31, beginning at7:00 p.m. at the Roberts Park Amphitheater, 2900 North Park Road. Admission is $8 for teens and adults, $5 for ages 3-13. There is no charge for children under 3. For more information, visit www.wifefm.com or call 765-825-6411.