CSP Music Group to Present "The Next Pop Icon" Talent Search APRIL 30 in Waterloo, IA

ATLANTA, GA, March 16, 2011 (Press-News.org) CSP Music Group, a team of accomplished music producers, composers and writers, will present "The Next Pop Icon," a talent search on Saturday, April 30, 2011, in an effort to showcase Iowa's burgeoning performers. Twenty finalists will be selected to perform in front of a panel of top music industry professionals. One stand-out star will win a Grand Prize music production package valued at $100,000.

Staged at the Elizabeth A.H. Green Auditorium (214 High Street, Waterloo, IA 50703), the event begins at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m. Registration fees are $10 until March 22; $25 from March 23- 29; and $35 from March 30 - April 15. The deadline to enter the talent search is April 15.

Established Atlanta-based producer, Christopher Starr, a principal at CSP Music Group, grew up in Waterloo and witnessed a high rate of unemployment, limited opportunities for youth, and economic struggles among families within the neighborhood. "By going home to give back to Waterloo, we hope to address the lack of creative opportunities for so many talented individuals in this depressed economy. We want to provide a community service to our youth and adults because we understand they hold the key to our present and future success."

"Knowing we've inspired others to move past life's struggles and embrace their visions sets a foundation in helping them establish their dreams," commented Warren Wortham, a resident of Waterloo and founding partner at "The grand prize will assist the winner at achieving nationwide exposure - this lets us know we've accomplished our goal."

"The Next Pop Icon" talent search provides a unique opportunity for up-and-coming performers to showcase their musical abilities before a room of their peers and star-making executives. The 10 finalists will perform for a panel of music industry judges including Kevin Shine (R. Kelly, Jive Records, The Firm); Gipson Kagni (Timati featuring Sean Diddy Combs and Dirty Money, Snoop Dogg, Shontelle, Universal Music Group); Habib Laurent (Konvict Music), Christopher Starr (Christina Aguilera, Bobby Valentino, David Banner) and more.

Aspiring performers from all genres, including rock, pop, r&b, hip-hop, country and gospel, are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to perform at this star-spotting event. Interested performers, 12-years old and up, have two options to audition: submit a performance video online, or audition in-person. Persons under the age of 18 years of age will need to be accompanied by an adult. To submit online, visit http://bit.ly/fDNnpg to paste a link of your vocal/instrumental performance. In-person auditions will be held from 4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. at Jameson's (318 East 4th Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa), on March18, April 1 and April 15. Participants should be prepared to perform a cappella, or accompanied by an instrument (no CD instrumentals) for 90 seconds. To register for the in-person auditions, visit http://bit.ly/hryj0N.

Admission to the general public on the evening of the final talent search is $10.00.

For more information on the talent search, visit http://cspmusicgroup.com/; or follow CSP Music Group on Twitter @cspmgstudios or @JonellMediaPr

About CSP Music Group

The CSP Music Group consists of a diverse team of accomplished producers, composers and writers with expertise in all genres of music. CSP has extensive experience in producing artists in its state-of-the art studio based in Atlanta, GA. Services provided by CSP include audio mixing and mastering; custom music production; co-writing; and studio sessions.

For Media Contact: Juanita Stephens / JS Media Relations/ jsmediarel@aol.com
For Media Contact: Jonell (PR) Whitt / Jonell PR Brand/ jonellprbrand@aol.com