First IndieCon Convention Showcases Independent Talent

MELBOURNE, Fla. - June 28, 2019 - PRLog -- The Melbourne Auditorium was the home to the first annual IndieCon convention, a showcase of some of the area's most talented independent authors, musicians, artists and talents of Brevard County and Central Florida.

"IndieCon was an amazing group with a creative synergy that created lifelong friends," said Chuck Fresh, local author, musician, filmmaker, and IndieCon co-creator.

IndieCon originated from the success of the Indie Originals radio program. Fresh sought a venue for hosting a contest for independent musicians to have their music recognized and featured on their program. An impromptu meeting with Jake Estrada resulted in the genesis of The Indie Originals Talent Competition, a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, which grew to feature a plethora of music, film, and literature. The competition ended on May 17, 2019 and amassed a swell of submissions in an abundance of artistic categories.

An array of talent was showcased throughout the day. Brenda Windberg, published writer, story development coach and independent book editor with Free Expressions Literary Services, hosted a Q&A session centered around writing and story creation. A variety of local bands including Orlando-based, Run Raquel, Anja and The Dreamers, Liz Johnson, SolSyren, Moonlight Drive-In, The Spring, open-mic favorite Steve Hodak, and singer/songwriter Bianca Jazmine performed live original music.

"This was an unprecedented assembly of the most talented people from the Space Coast all under one roof," commented co-producer Jake Estrada. "I've really never seen anything like this. I can't wait until next year."

Plans are already underway to create IndieCon 2020 with some minor changes, and major additions including independent comic creators and independent video game producers, among other categories. The organizers will choose among Melbourne, West Palm, or Philadelphia for the second-year location. They plan on a two-day event.

During the event, the global Indie Originals Live Talent Competition category winners were announced. Some Central Florida music winners included:

• Alternative Rock: Best Lyrics. Mai Tatro's Moonlight Drive-In, "Trigger"
• Alternative Rock: Best Music Video, The Spring, "Colors Of Consciousness"
• Alternative Rock: Best Newcomer, Iron Will, "Anthem"
• Blues: Best Overall Song, Georgia Randall, "Fever"
• Christian/Inspirational: Best Overall Song, Three of the Thirty, "More Of You"
• Jazz: Best Overall Song, Shyrl "Tandy" Johnson, "Shelter From the Rain"
• Singer/Songwriter: Best Lyrics, Anja and The Dreamers, "Stars"
• Singer/Songwriter: Best Vocal Performance, Bianca Jazmine, "The Key"

Sponsor Trebla Studios has awarded Bianca Jazmine a studio recording package. Industry-insider Robert Maffia has selected Philadelphia artist Drew Sestito's "Run Away" for potential further opportunities.

Central Florida was also well-represented in the author awards:

• Best Children's Book Winner: Planted Pines by T.E. Guthrie
• Best Fantasy Winner: Sivoa Sunrise by H. Gorlitz Scott
• Best Mystery Winner: Broken Through by J. C. Paulson
• Best Picture Book Winner: Pea Soup Disaster by Elaine Kaye
• Best Juvenile Novel Winner: Missing Pieces by R. H. Lewis
• Best Nonfiction Winner: The Bus Ride Back by L. A. Carastro
• Best Nonfiction Reference Winner: Write with FEY by Chrys Fey
• Best Poetry Winner: Love Letters, Unhinged by Melissa J. Kastanias
• Best Short Story Winner: Hurricane Crimes by Chrys Fey

Film winners from Central Florida included:

• BEST WEBBIES: A World of Worlds, directed and created by Barry Gaines
• BEST INSPIRATIONAL: PB and J directed by John Granger, written by Sandy Granger-Taulbee
• BEST ACTION FILM: Cold Dawn, directed by Thomas Frick

For a complete list of winners in all categories, visit the IndieCon 2019 website at www.indieoriginals.org.

Local sponsors for IndieCon 2019 include 98.5 The Beach, Foxwood Wine Company, Hangin With Web Show, Trebla Studios, and www.doesgot.com.