2019 WINNERS
First Place Winner
Oya
The Walking Poet
Oya the walking poet-from Little Rock via Earle, AR. She was named after the goddess of the winds of change and destruction. She speaks from personal experience expressing herself creatively as a way of coping with today’s reality. She is the founding member of catch new wave LLC, an artist collective whose focus is to assist in the connection of arts of all types within the community seeking growth & development and bringing awareness to issues rarely addressed in topics ranging from social justice all the way to sickle cell anemia. She sings and does spoken word.
Second Place Winner
Giftedhandz
Giftedhandz-from Mabelvale, Arkansas. She is not a praise dancer. Her hands do her singing, which is done in American sign language. Her mission is to be the ears, sound, and music to those who can and cannot hear, and to spread the songs of the gospel to all through the signing of Giftedhandz. She has ministered through signing throughout many Arkansas cities at different events including weddings, funerals, and at the prisons. She has auditioned for America's got talent in San Antonio, Texas in January of this year. Her godmother had a long bout with lupus and sadly passed away in 2004.
Third Place Winner
Twang
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Twang-from mountain view, ar is an all-girl string band and is a product of the renowned music roots program in mountain view, considered the folk music capital of the world. They have previously had the honor of playing at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion as well as the MTN. View bluegrass, folk, & bean festival. In 2017, they were the 1st place youth winners and overall grand champion at the state fair. Twang’s love of old-time, gospel, bluegrass & variety music can be seen through their style & harmony as they exhibit skill and grace beyond their tender years.
PHOTOS OF 2019 EVENT
Lupus Spirit Award Winner - Elliott    Simmons with Gale Davis, Co-Chair & David Ashley, Chair
Age Group 60+ Category Contestants
The Four Contestant Finalists with David Ashley, Chair.
Lupus Spirit Award Winner - Elliott    Simmons with Gale Davis, Co-Chair & David Ashley, Chair