Jordan Olesen took stage about halfway through the performances, blowing away the crowd and earning him a place in the finals. Photo credit: Josh Cozine
Local music artists and songwriters performed in a competition at Madison Bear Garden Thursday night.
Chico Unplugged, hosted by student-run School of the Arts (SOTA) productions, kicked off on the upstairs dance floor of the restaurant. This room was transformed into a musical stage and filled up with crowds shoulder-to-shoulder in the front rows competing for the best view.
“It’s a fun and interactive way to introduce new artists to the community,” said Carly Neville, event coordinator for SOTA.
“It’s the most packed I’ve ever seen it,” she said about the Thursday night event.
Three winners were chosen of the eleven artists and groups that performed. Jordan Olesen, Anthony Amanoni, and AXON will be invited back in two weeks for the winner’s showcase.
Chico Unplugged will return Thursday, where another group of winners will be chosen.
Josh Cozine can be reached at newseditor@theorion.com or @joshcozine on Twitter.