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Gaenor Thompson
Musical Background:
Yes I have a musical background I also have CDs out myself as a pageant titleholder my talent is music and singing I've played the piano for years and I also have one several vocal competitions
I love to encourage others and singing I love to hear people and their Artistry and their music
I enjoy meeting new people I did this last year and I had a wonderful time it was great meeting new people
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Welcome to the Judges Panel
Here you will find the panel of judges for the NM State Fair Karaoke Competition. Who they are, what they look like, and their musical background. Being the Karaokeist is more than being a great vocalist!.....that's what they are looking for!
Linda Cocoa
Musical Background:
I started singing amd recording music at the age of 4. I performed at many events in Colorado prior to moving to NM. When I moved to New Mexico I started a country album project writing and co-producing. I was the winner of a Mic Line award for song writing. I recorded an album in Spanish named "Alegria" and went on to promote the album across New Mexico, Texas and Colorado.I performed at several venues including the New Mexico State Fair and Las Vegas New Mexico Fiesta. The album was played across the southwest. Since then I have continued writing and producing music for other aspiring artists.
I believe I have great vocal ability, knowledge and skill.
Im honest in my critique and would be able to offer skilled advice.
Sammy Montano
Musical Background:
I am an experienced song writer and currently working as A&R Manager at R&D Entertainment
I would like to be a judge in the competition to scout talent and network with others with the same passion as mine.
I have an ear for talent. I feel I can be of great assistance finding the best of the best karaoke
Jessica Wachs
Musical Background:
I studied music for 3 years at the collegiate level, founded and directed the UNM A Cappella Choir, took part in the LUU A Cappella Choir in Leeds and toured in the UK, I am a professional voice teacher, an avid participant in community musical productions, have a piano duo where we perform Jazz around town, used to sing opera at the Macaroni Grill for nearly two years, sang professionally with St.John's Episcopalian church and Polyphony Voices of New Mexico, and am currently the founder, artistic director and producer of Rumble Productions, Albuquerque's only musical comedy company.
I would like to partake as a judge in this competition because I've been moved by the passion, raw talent and sheer joy that Albuquerque singers have been creating at karaoke bars and competitions. While I am not a member of any karaoke group, I've spent time in the karaoke community simply because, in all my experience, some karaoke singers in town have proven to be some of the most talented people I've come across. And so, I'd like to be more involved but without being on an official team as I already spend enough time in the music world professionally. I'd like to provide a fair, bias free perspective that is backed by experience to support karaoke competitors and further them along towards their own personal goals in music.
JUDGES SCHEDULE:
Here is the schedule of what judges will be where, when at all venues including the NMSF. This schedule is subject to change without notice. Only the primary judges are listed here. We have three primary judges each night with one additional guest judge each night to ensure score balancing. There are also six qualified back up judges.
Jeanette Lussier - Judge's Director
Musical Background:
I love music and especially the lyrics. I was a fill in judge for the NMSF Karaoke Competition in 2014 and learned a lot about how to listen for key, and what they are looking for when it comes to the best karaokeists. I learned how to look for timing, knowledge and audience interaction,the key ingredients in top performing karaoke champion.
I love to see other people sing and how well they do and how creative they can get with the song.
I'm honest and fair and a passionate person.
Valerie Renee Mirabal
Musical Background:
For all my life I have been a lover of music. Also, I'm a voice actor and have been since 2000. I am an amateur a Karaoke entertainer. I have been a charter member of an acting troupe since 2000 as well. With my background and experience, I can recognize and appreciate the courage and talent it takes to be a Karaoke contestant.
While the focus obviously is on singing the tunes, my main focus is on showmanship when I judge. Gestures and individualized influence is important, that is what showcases your style. When the audience is caught up in your performance, that is where the success lies!
Every Karaoke competitor comes to the stage with their A game and within that they should exit with head held high. Judging this competition is always a pleasure. Last year, every judge had an ultimate experience and knowledge that they brought. I loved the mix of backgrounds that was present at the table. I'm honored to be asked back, once again!
2016 Meet The Judges
Lucky 66 Bowl
Elimination-April 15th-In House Judges
Elimination-April 22nd-In House Judges
Elimination-April 29th-In House Judges
Elimination-May 6th-In House Judges
Elimination-May 13th-In House Judges
Final Audition-May 27th-Sammy Montano, Luis Hernandez, Ms Gainor Thompson
Marisco's Altamar
Qualifying-May 19th-In House Judges
Qualifying-June 2nd-In House Judges
Qualifying-July 7th-In House Judges
Qualifying-September 1st-In House Judges
Effingbar
Qualifying-June 9th- Ms. Thompson, Linda, Sammy
Slate Street
Qualifying-June 16th- Sammy, Linda, Jessica
Fiestas Cantina
Qualifying-June 26th- Linda, Jessica, Valerie
Tractor Brewing
Qualifying-June 28th-In House Judges
Sidelines
Qualifying-July 7th- Sammy, Ms. Thompson, Jessica
Louie's Pub & Grill
Qualifying-June 16th- Sammy, Linda, Sam
Check back often as we continue to update this page
Qualifying-August 7th- Ms. Thompson, Linda, Valerie
Mezcal Tequileria
Neds
Qualifying-August 9th- Sammy, Linda, Sam
Qualifying-July 27th- Sam , Linda, Valerie
Qualifying-August 3rd-In House Judges
Qualifying-August 10th-In House Judges
Qualifying-August 17th-In House Judges
Viva 3
The Library, San Mateo
Billiards Palace
Qualifying-August 23rd-Ms. Thompson, Sammy, Sam
Qualifying-August 16th-Ms. Thompson, Linda, Sammy
New Mexico State Fair Schedule:
2016 Judge's Schedule
September 8th-
Ms. Thompson, Sammy, and Jessica
September 9th-
Jessica, Linda, and Sam B
September 10th-
Jessica, Sammy, and Linda
September 11th-
Ms. Thompson, Linda, and Sammy
September 12th-
Ms. Thompson, Sammy, and Linda
September 13th-
Valerie, Ms. Thompson, and Sammy
September 14th-
Linda, Valerie, and Sam B
September 15th-
Sammy, Linda, and Valerie
September 16th-
Ms. Thompson, Sammy, and Valerie
September 17th-
Ms. Thompson, Linda, and Sammy
September 18th-
Linda, Valerie, and Ms. Thompson
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Sam Barber
Musical Background:
I I've been a music fan my whole life and have been to numerous concerts of different variety. I used to be a big karaoke goer myself.
I've always wanted to be a judge and think it would be a blast to be a part of.
I would like to be your judge because I'm a fun guy and people enjoy my company!
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