Get to know the 11 bands battling it out at the 2022 Music Prize in Shreveport

The 2022 Music Prize is taking place this weekend in downtown Shreveport and it's time to get to know a little more about the 11 bands set to battle it out for the $10,000 grand prize.

Come out to The Garage both nights to watch each band play and to cast your vote for the Audience Choice Award before finding out who the judges have picked to win the grand prize.

Allisen and the Wys Guys

This new group out of Austin, Texas features vocalist Allisen Hinojosa along with bandleader and multi-instrumentalist Wyatt Corder of Big Wy's Brass Band and his talented group of seasoned musicians. The band has held a residency at Austin's iconic Continental Club and played notable Austin venues like Antone's, The ABGB and more. They play everything from intimate jazz, raucous soul, hard-hitting blues to even danceable disco grooves.

The American Hotel System

The American Hotel System are an alternative rock band hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan who have a lot to say. Their exploration into traditional Rock 'n' Roll has unleased their own sound that reflects on emotive lyrics, complex structures and a massive life sound that goes beyond the norm. They have opened up for the legendary Bon Jovi and haven risen to high acclaim with their 2019 debut album "The Sunken Truth" and have been featured in Relix Magazine, BuzzMusic and LEVELUP.

Aname' Rose

Aname' Rose is an Alternative R&B artist that incorporates spirituality and different vibes to create a unique body of work.

Benedetto

This Shreveport native Indie Folk group has a Baroque Blues sound with original music written and performed by Anthony Benedetto on classical guitar. Alongside Anthony is Faze on the drums, Philip Taylor Crews on lead guitar, Eric Gardener on bass, Jonathon Belaire on keys and Michael Miller on harmonies and the brush. This group can't wait to do something grand for their Music Prize performance.

Bond+

Originally conceived by members Lucas Lawrence, Lauren Russell and friends while attending Centenary College in 2016 only recently to be fully actualized, Bond+ is a multi-genre, multi-generational band whose goal is to bridge the gaps between all the band members preferred musical tastes. The current roster includes vocalist and instrumentalist Lucas Lawrence, Sarah Smith on vocals and percussion, Lauren Russell on vocals and piano, Jerry Lee on guitar, Weldon Stutes on bass and Curtis Joseph Jr. on drums.

Know Before You Go: Prize Fest 2022

The Neon Highway

The Neon Highway is a Northern Louisiana based Country band fronted by combat Army veteran, lead singer and songwriter Schaefer Mueller who has multiple originals on all streaming platforms. Mueller has opened for musician Granger Smith on his 2018 USO Tour in Alaska and recently had two songs selected by Nashville publishers during a pitch event. The Neon Highway also includes Josh Bowen on bass, Alex White on lead guitar and Daniel Baskin on drums.

Octavia the Great

Born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, Octavia the Great's superpower is her ability to write powerful verses and melodic rap that speaks volumes to all generations. As an artist, she pulls influences from just about every genre of music, giving her work a sound that can only be described as her voice. Her lyrics speak from a place of freedom, power and redemption. Her latest release entitled "No Bra" is an ingenious sonic embodiment of the present divine feminine state of the world and it expresses the desire that many women have to break away from what the world deems as appropriate and empowers them to tap into the greatness within.

Ouro Boar feat. Ricky Latt

This is an 11-piece Rhythm Section Band whose music puts you in the mind of 70s themed soundtrack music combined with South R&B maestro Ricky Latt.

Rococo Disco

If there's one thing Rococo Disco believes, it's that good music has soul. Funky bass lines, dense layers, unique vocals and groovy vibes float your way the second you wet your whistle with one of their tracks. Rococo Disco has gained one million spins on their single "Honey Do" and entertain over 25,000 monthly listeners. The two core members Paul Chu and David Soto grew up in Austin, Texas and started playing shows around Central Texas and after meeting in college. Their following has come to expect high-energy performances and funny stage antics like kazoo solos and confetti explosions.

Shelly Knicks and The Love + Space Connection

Shelly Knicks and the Love + Space Connection is based in Austin, Texas with their music having a foundation of Hip Hop and R&B with a funky psychedelic vibe. The band consists of George Fox on the keys and guitar, Nixon Disco on the bass, Tyler Butler on drums and lead vocalist Shelly Knicks.

Star Chamber

Star Chamber is a foursome Rock band of family and friends that formed in 2016 and have been melting faces with high-energy performances ever since. The band includes lead singer and rhythm guitarist Amanda Tamaccio, lead guitarist Core Bissell, drummer Anthony Tamaccio and bassists Mikey Weileder. After a two year break while Amanda beat stage three breast cancer, Star Chamber have come back with a new lease on life and an inextinguishable fury. Star Chamber loves their supportive fans and plans on recording some heavy jams and catchy tunes in the near future, as well as go on a nationwide tour.

The 2022 Music Prize competition will take place on Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15 at The Garage located at 211 Market St. in downtown Shreveport.

For more information on Music Prize including purchasing tickets, visit the Prize Fest website.

Meredith G. White is the arts and culture reporter for the Shreveport Times. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her at mgwhite@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Meet the musicians competing at the 2022 Music Prize in Shreveport