The Clintons chosen as New Musician winner

Published: September 30, 2008

A panel of judges selected The Clintons, a Bozeman-based band, as this year’s winner of Gibson Acoustic Guitar’s New Musician Award. The band performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Emerson during the HATCHfest.

Many Montanans have heard this energetic quartet, whose music pairs sensitive songwriting with funky quirkiness, and a vibe that fans say reminds them of OAR or the Barenaked Ladies.

Guest artists include 2004 award-winner Brandy Vaughn, 2006 award-winner Marshall McLean and special guest artist Benjamin Taylor (son of James Taylor and Carly Simon).

The Gibson Acoustic Guitar New Musician was selected from a field of entries spanning the globe. A panel of local judges first reviewed submissions, and the top entries were sent to an advisory panel of judges known for their achievements in the music and film industries.

Local panelists are Michelle Wolfe (KMMS 95.1 FM "The Moose" and HATCHfest music coordinator), Dave Goodwin (recording engineer and producer, Big Sky High Studios), Brett Cline (Zebra Cocktail Lounge and HATCHfest music coordinator) and Robi Johns (Gibson Acoustic Guitar sales director and HATCHfest sponsor).

Advisory panel judges are singer/songwriter/HATCHfest mentor Jackson Browne, film producer and HATCHfest mentor Richard B. Lewis (“August Rush”), and legendary music manager David Spero (The Eagles and J.D. Souther).

This prestigious awards package comes with mentorship from music industry insiders, a custom Gibson Acoustic Guitar, free recording-studio time, exposure to news, radio and television coverage and public relations opportunities, and other prizes geared toward enhancing and building a lasting and productive music career.

The awards concert is free, but tickets are required due to a limited number of seats. A list of outlets is available online at http://www.HATCHfest.org.