“FAME Awards” will be presented to these recipients in November.
The Swansons
EVENT PERFORMER
Outstanding Country Album: Bam
The Swansons have been a participant in our award show productions for the past 2 years. Prior to that, front man Joe Finley was a performer and active participant going back all the way to 2008 with his previous project, The Joe Finley Band. Over the years, both Joe and the Swansons have received many accolades from our organization, including their most recent Las Vegas F.A.M.E. Award in 2018 for their amazing album entitled “Country This”. Music industry icon Mike Curb, C.E.O. of Curb Records was thrilled by their performance and went so far as to tell the packed audience at Hard Rock Live on the Las Vegas Strip what he though of them. Click on this
video link to relive this amazing presentation.
Gypsy Wagyn
Outstanding Producers, Composers & Arrangers
Gypsy Wagyn is an Award-Winning Powerhouse Duo. They have played over 300 shows at close to 100 different venues across the Mid-Western United States. With an ever-changing set-list and new material being written all the time; their show is never the same way twice. Austin R Drury and Robyn L Gorkiewicz were born musicians, but their music truly came together once they met. Formed in 2015 in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, they began touring in September of 2016. They self-produced their first album, “Chapter One: Book Two” in 2017. Their second and third albums, “Elements of the Unknown” and “Reflections” were released simultaneously in March of 2019. The duo landed in the spotlight at the Producers Choice Honors FAME Awards in April with a jaw-dropping original performance where they received a standing ovation from over 300 people who were in attendance. While they are currently on tour in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Montana; they will be returning to the Producers Choice Honors Press Event in November to perform and receive the award for “Best of Las Vegas: Producer, Composer & Arranger.”
Larry Wayne
The Mike Curb Outstanding Country Artist Award
Larry Wayne, originally from New York, has moved and set up shop in Las Vegas. He has an extensive career performing on both coasts. Larry Wayne is a professional vocalist trained in jazz standards, country, rock ‘n’ roll, pop, swing, opera, and Italian/American. He plays guitar and trumpet. He also writes and records his own original music. Larry Wayne’s accomplishments span across the country in such notable places as The Rainbow Room at the top of Rockefeller Center, Cipriani’s on 42nd Street, Manhattan’s Grand Hyatt, and the Resorts World Casino in New York. In Las Vegas he has performed in many of the major hotel showrooms, banquet halls, and night clubs. Larry has also opened for Don Rickles five times at the Orleans and at Golden Nugget. He has performed with legendary stars Tony Orlando, Rich Little, Tom Jones, and he performed a concert in Los Angeles with Pia Zadora while filming her reality series. Larry Wayne is professionally managed by Billy Barnes, Executive Producer at Blue Chip Entertainment LLC in Hollywood, California.
Sangeeta Kaur
Outstanding Music Video “Ardas Bhea”
Opening her heart to humanity, award-winning New Age singer-songwriter and producer Sangeeta Kaur up to date has manifested four New Age / Classical Crossover albums, conveying her commitment to composing and recording music that uplifts, builds bridges and crosses genres. Born in California as Teresa Mai, her spiritual name – Sangeeta Kaur – was given to her by a yoga master; the name translates to “Princess of Music and Harmony,” which is fitting for this prolifically creative soprano, a heart- based leader in the modern New Age music realm.
Roger Fisher
EVENT PERFORMER
Lifetime Achievement Male Singer/Songwriter
The Producers Choice Honors Red Carpet Press Event are proud to welcome Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame member Roger Fisher as our opening musical act. Roger co-wrote several of Heart’s biggest songs including, Crazy On You and Barracuda. He performed guitar on their first 4 albums, which coincidentally were their best albums. He is being sponsored by Heart of the Blues Rye Whiskey, the Official Rye Whiskey brand of the Producers Choice Honors.
Terri Lynn Schmidt
International Humanitarian Award
The Las Vegas F.A.M.E. award recipient for this prestigious accolade is an award winning author and world traveler. She has traveled to many continents, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and both Central and South America. Her missions are simple: to help bring healing and God’s word to remote places that need it the most. Her work with children primarily has been her most rewarding, as she has brought joy and happiness to thousands of them all over the world. Photographs don’t lie. They tell the true story of a woman driven by a positive spiritual force to change lives through prayer and a determined women’s ministry that has a divine providence to save countless human souls in the most desolate and poverty stricken places on Planet Earth. Our organization and it’s sponsors and supporters salute her and her incredible contributions to the betterment of all humankind.
Mary Wilson
Lifetime Achievement: Female Vocal Performer
A singer, best-selling author, motivational speaker, businesswoman, former U.S. Cultural Ambassador, mother, and grandmother, the legendary Mary Wilson continues to make great strides on her inevitable journey to greatness. As an original/founding member of The Supremes, Mary achieved an unprecedented 12 #1 hits with 5 of them being consecutive from 1964-1965. Those songs are “Where Did Our Love Go”, “Baby Love”, “Come See About Me”, “Stop! In the Name of Love” and “Back in My Arms Again” according to Billboard Magazine. In 2018 Billboard celebrated their 60th anniversary with a list of “The Hot 100’s Top Artists of All Time”, where The Supremes ranked at #16 and still remain the #1 female recording group of all time. With the same passion as she did singing with the original Supremes as well as with her solo career, the world renowned performer is an advocate for social and economic challenges in the United States and abroad. Ms. Wilson uses her fame and flair to promote a diversity of humanitarian
Eric Bettelli
Lifetime Achievement Award Music Industry Magazine Publisher
Music Connection magazine was founded in 1977 in Los Angeles, Ca. by J. Michael Dolan, an unsigned singer-songwriter who worked as a background engineer/projectionist at various film and TV studios. Eric Bettelli o is now the sole Publisher, with Senior Editor Mark Nardone promoted to Associate Publisher/Senior Editor. Looking for songwriting gigs but finding no useful resource to help him, Dolan came up with the idea of a weekly music publication, with articles and reviews rivaling Cashbox and Billboard, and free classifieds patterned after the Recycler. After quickly realizing that his idea had a real chance of success he invited long-time pal Eric Bettelli to join the company as its first VP of Advertising. Eventually the publication became a “must read” for industry executives, and a trusted advocate for musicians and songwriters, who promptly dubbed it “the musician’s bible.”
Christy Johnson
Outstanding Female Singer Songwriter Award
Christy Johnson is an up-and-coming triple threat in the film, stage, and music industries. Most notably, she has been the vocalist of the nationally touring melodic hard rock band, Dreamkiller, since 2004. Through that endeavor she toured the U.S. and Canada and has been recognized with numerous awards, including Los Angeles Music Awards National Female Vocal Performer of The Year and International Music & Entertainment Awards Rock Female Vocalist of The Year. Additionally, she has received song placement in a multitude of award winning feature films. Her most notable film roles include “Dottie” in “Tobe Hooper’s Mortuary”, “Faith” in “The Gospel According To Booze, Bullets & Hot Pink Jesus”, “Lucifer” in “Hatchet County” and “Loraine” in “Orbs: They Are Among Us”. Look for her in upcoming releases as “Judy Hartley” in “Night of The Living Dead: Genesis”, “Brie Kelly” in “Beneath The Old Dark House” and “Scary Carrie Carmichael” in the much anticipated feature film “GHOST TREK” [currently in pre-production]. Some of Christy’s other accomplishments include earning a Masters degree in Acting, National gold medals in Karate, Quad Speed Skating and Inline Speed Skating as well as being crowned Miss Greensboro. Her brand new solo music is unveiling a new level of depth to Christy’s well-rounded aptitude in songwriting and vocal ability. “Shadows of My Soul” and “The Devil’s Den” are her debut releases with much more music on the way!
The Push
Outstanding American Rock Revival Band Award
LEAD VOCALIST-Steve Austin Malanowski is a renowned Classic Rock Vocalist-A master of all rock vocal styles and an intense performer.
DRUMMER-Jake Pilcher hails from San Bernardino, California and started to play at the tender age of He grew up playing in top 40 bands with his father.
GUITARIST-Dean Rossi comes from Burbank, CA and has a unique entertainment background. His famous father, Steve Rossi was in the comedy team Allen & Rossi , circa 1960’s.
KEYBOARDIST/Vocalist-Milo Keysington is a native of Miramar, Florida. He has toured with such mega groups as Cheap Trick, Quiet Riot & many others.
GUITARIST-Gilby Landin is from L.A. and has played at the legendary Whiskey A Go-Go, Roxy, Viper Room and many others throughout the 80’s and 90’s…Opening for groups like Oingo Boingo, Dramarama and Peace Frog.
BASSIST-Zach Ruble began playing Guitar at age 14. His influences range from Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Motorhead and the list goes on for the classic rock genre.
Ed Opperman
Outstanding Radio Talk Show
The Opperman Report is a mainstay of I Heart Radio programming roster in the Southwest area of the United States. Ed Opperman is host of the show and has given air time to dozens of people, many of whom would never be able to get their voices heard on any other mainstream radio platform. We are proud to honor Ed Opperman with this prestigious award.
Gary Lee
Outstanding Spiritual Rock Performer
From his early days in his rock music ensemble In The Midst 777, Gary Lee has been a top performer in the Southern California music scene. His best performances were during the 25 year run of the Los Angeles Music Awards Showcase Series at the Whisky A Go Go and the Avalon Theater in Hollywood. Now, he has brought a new version of I.T.M. 777 for another run at rock music success and things are looking really good for him now. The Counter Culture F.A.M.E. Awards are proud to recognize his amazing talents at this event.
David Spicer
Outstanding Creative Community Contribution Award
The problem is economic and emotional decline of our small town communities. Businesses are being boarded up and leaving. Unsustainable revenue stream, such as mining, comes and goes. The youth are unable to make a future and livable wages in our small towns, with a lack of opportunities for businesses and jobs, there is no sustainable revenue stream of the taxable dollar.
The solution is simple. Transform Southern Nevada into a recreational trails destination.
Asher Knight
EVENT PERFORMER
International Pop Performer Award
“Step Back” is climbing up the radio charts. Asher is set to begin his American Invasion in early August. Hailing from Bradford, England, Asher now lives in London, Asher is on the cutting edge of today’s new music scene. Winding down from his UK tour with the Vamps, as well sold out support slots with Steps and All Saints, plus he was Boyzone’s main support act on their “Thank You & Good Night” tour. Asher Knight will begin another tour opening for Will Young in twenty something music halls across the UK in October. Heartthrob, Asher Knight is guaranteed to excite all of his fans. His melodic lyrics are filled with deeply inspired emotions, packing his listeners with love and hope. Asher paints pictures of romance that are way ahead of this 21-year-old singer/songwriter’s experiences. We are proud to honor him in 2019.
Tom Hillery
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture:
“Project Solitude: Buried Alive”
The executive producer, director and writer for Starlight Productions, Tom Hillery’s company is devoted to production for feature films and videos for a wide range of viewers. Tom’s latest project, ” Project Solitude: Buried Alive”, is a physically challenging film made by Mr. Hillery and his crew. This thriller of a film, made in the dead of winter just outside Green Bay, Wisconsin stars Eric Roberts and it’s lead actor. The Producers Choice Honors are proud to recognize this film in 2019 at our Legend’s Series red carpet press event.
Pia Zadora
Lifetime Achievement Award: Las Vegas Female Entertainer
Pia Zadora is an American actress and singer. After working as a child actress on Broadway, in regional theater, and in the film Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964), she came to national attention in 1981 when, following her starring role in the highly criticized Butterfly, she won a Golden Globe Award as New Star of the Year. When in the 1980s Zadora’s film career failed to achieve critical success, she switched her focus to music. As a singer, Zadora has released several albums featuring popular standards, often backed by a symphonic orchestra.
In 2011, Zadora began a small attempt at a comeback with a cabaret show titled Pia Zadora: Back Again, and Standing Tall. In February, she performed at the Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and the Kaye Auditorium in Boca Raton. She took the show to The Rrazz Room in San Francisco on June 8 where it ran for five performances until June 12 Zadora appeared at San Francisco’s Rrazz Room’s 3rd annual Rrazziversary Gala Celebration and Benefit for Saint Judes Children’s Hospital on March 17, 2011, and at the Nevada Children’s Center’s Great Gatsby Gala on April 3, 2011. In 2012, Zadora performed with the Desert Symphony Orchestra in Palm Desert, California, and appeared on many TV shows. Currently, Pia performs every week end at Piero’s in Las Vegas. her shows regularly draw packed crowds and she is loved an adored in Las Vegas.
2019 may be Pia’s busiest year yet. In addition to her nightclub act, she has a new CD coming out, “All or Nothing at All” being released in the US on a label distributed by Sony/Red and Europe, featuring songs described as being in a “modern Julie London seductive nightclub style. Pia Zadora—hers is a story of triumph and tragedy and triumph again, and comeback after comeback by a performer sophisticated and strong; part stay at home mom and a part show business trouper, a tiny 5’2” singer/dancer with the powerhouse voice.
Lisa Szyc
Outstanding Creative Community Service Award
The Family Court system in Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, can be very difficult to navigate. It takes a sharp legal mind and tremendous people skills to assist plaintiffs and defendants in the legal realm. Our Producers Choice Honors F.A.M.E. Award recipient is the most respected attorney in this field of law, not only in Las Vegas, but nationally as well. It is our pleasure to present her with this accolade.
Lily Lisa
The Angel On Earth Award
World renowned independent film maker Lily Lisa has been praised by critics in the international mass media as a perfect representation of ” the next generation of great documentary film makers “. With 3 prestigious major awards presented to her in 2018, Lily Lisa has become a popular fixture at red carpet press events in both Hollywood and Las Vegas. The Producers Choice Honors will present Lily Lisa with her latest accolade, The “Angel On Earth Award” at the Red Carpet Press Event at The Sunset Station Casino in Las Vegas on November 13th, 2019.
Stephentodd Tracy (STT)
Outstanding Pop EP
STT (Stephentodd Tracy) is a triple threat top 40 performer–sings, writes, and produce/engineers. His original Forbidden Love is in the top 100 on the Media Base radio charts. S T T has an awesome tenor voice heard all over the world – Carnegie Hall, NYC, England, Africa, Hollywood – and of course his home town Las Vegas NV. A prodigy of musical training from very early, through performing arts school, trainings with top industry professionals, etc. he now writes, produces, records, and engineers at his studio Las Vegas Record Lab. S T T also mentors young and first time musicians at the studio and with a Success in Life and Music seminar.
Linda Carfagno
Career Achievement Award in Event Photography
This award for Linda is well deserved. She has dedicated her life to her craft as an event photographer. She covers red carpets for nearly every major film festival in the world and has been a solid contributor for news coverage of press events for decades. We are proud to honor her at this next event November 13th in Las Vegas.
Lisa Panagos
Outstanding Album Songwriter
This major league diva is a multiple award winning entertainer from the big time stages of New York City. As an established Broadway actress, Lisa made the jump to Hollywood several years ago to establish her presence in Tinseltown as a multi talented actress, singer-songwriter and producer. Since then, she has been recognized by the Hollywood F.A.M.E. Awards, The Los Angeles Music Awards, Akademia Awards and The A.I. Music Awards for her recorded works as well as her work in film and TV. We are proud to have her on our bill as BOTH award recipient and presenter.
Mike Mesey
Career Achievement Award: Rock Drummer
Drummer/Songwriter / Producer Michael A Mesey has spent many years touring and playing with Rock legend Chuck Berry and as a long time Drummer for Head East. Mike was one of the few musicians to have played many Major shows at Stadiums, Arenas, also including a Live World Wide Broadcast from Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena Ca. for the Voyager Project performing “Johnny B Good”. Mike is also in the current film “Beyond Voyager” performing with Chuck. Chuck Berry said of Mesey on Drums “When it’s time to Rock, You really Rock me, No I mean you really Rock me” and always introduced Mesey as his drummer. Mike also toured many years playing drums for Head East at many major events and concerts with almost every major classic rock band known. Mike has produced and performed on an exciting new version of “Johnny B Good” featuring a complete piano track by none other than Johnnie Johnson himself recorded many years before his death, as well as vocals by featured artist Michael McDonald. Mike Mesey has been touring and recording for over 40 years and is now touring with his new Band “FREEBIRD USA and his one of a kind World famous “Chopper Drumset”.
Prodigal
Outstanding Rock Album
Prodigal is an 80s style Hard Rock/Metal Christian band from the East Valley of Phoenix Arizona. The band consists of Amethyst front-man Mark Fekete on lead vox, ex Chasen and White Foxx guitarist Jim Maropoulos on lead guitar, Arizona worship percussionist Lonny Ward on drums, and recently added members include Scott Spangle added as the band’s bassist, and Rigo Reyes joined as a second Guitarist. Both are currently also worship team musicians at their respectful church bodies, and serve in the ministry with Prodigal as well.
Duncan Faure
Lifetime Achievement Award: Songwriter Performer
World renowned singer songwriter Duncan Faure originally became a house hold name in South Africa as one of the lead singers and songwriters for the band Rabbitt, It was said many times, Rabbit was South Africa’s Beatles with the incredible talent amongst the band and mass hysteria that followed the band around for the 3 and a half years they we’re together. With the political pressures of South Africa immediately after the bands breakup, Duncan moved to Los Angeles.
Soon after arriving in L.A in 1978 Duncan was being managed by Freddy Demann who later managed Michale Jackson and Madonna though out their mega careers. As luck would have it, The Bay City Rollers chose Duncan to be their new lead vocalist. In early November ’78 Duncan left Los Angeles and the nest of Freddy Demann ,flew to Dublin to officially join The Bay City Rollers .
In late 2018 Duncan released a new song called Very Truly Yours which has received major acclaim from L.M Radio , one of the main radio stations in South Africa, still being aired regularly. Duncan has a catalog of many new songs written and ready to take on the world and with a quote from Karl Anderson , who released Duncans ‘2010 Anthology on Global Recording Artists “Duncan Faure is one of the greatest song writers the world has ever known”
Tazz Washington
Career Achievement Session Drummer and Live Performer
Chaka Kahn, Sergio Mendes, Tito Puente, Kim Burrell, David Benoit, Dave Koz, Eric Darius, Sonny Khoeblal, Rob Meister, Izzy Chait, Jierra, Emanuele Ruffinengo ( Grammy Award winning Latin Pop Producer), Alan Sams, John P.Kee, LaShun Pace, Fred Johnson. Mariah Carey, Donna Summers, and many many others. What sets Tazz apart from other drummers? His creative ability to express and converse through a combination of African, jazz, funk and Latin rhythms, makes him the so sought after drummer by many as he also is visually very exciting and enhances any artist’s show. Extreme ability to learn concert/studio material fast, and being distinguishly tasteful. He is available for shows, studio sessions as well as percussion and drum lessons and, martial arts instruction in addition to all that !
” It’s not what I play, that you listen to, but it’s what I say “- Tazz Washington
Garden of Eden
Best of 30 Years Rock Guitarist: L.A. Music Awards and Las Vegas
We are pleased to present this amazing group of rock musicians with their own Las Vegas F.A.M.E. Award for Outstanding International Rock Band. With two of the best guitarists anywhere in the world, and a solid drummer bassist to go with them, this veteran band are hard to match. Multiple award winning guitarist Dan Crenshaw writes most of the material and has extensive touring experience with some of the biggest names in rock n’ roll. For ten years, Dan Crenshaw has participated in our awards show productions as performer, presenter and recipient. This award marks his highest achievement to date.
Lori Hardman
Outstanding Female Vocal Performer
Lori started singing as a child in Sunday school and regular school. She stayed in music class all through her school years, entering competitions and talent shows and always loved her music teachers. Her whole family is alway there to show their support. Singing is really what excited her to go school everyday. Her family is very musical and they performed together often as kids for whomever would watch. Always making sure she listens and learn from her peers, she now play with top local artists and has a great time doing it. Music inspires her, excites her, feeds her soul….and besides, being blessed with her daughter, her family, and her health…. it’s what she is most grateful for in her life.
John Michael Ferrari
Outstanding Male Singer Songwriter
John Michael Ferrari writes emotional story-telling songs with touches of sophistication crossing several genres. He creates lyrics and music describing his life experiences and those of others. Fans enjoy John Michael’s songs and appreciate his songwriting talent and with his great song interpretation … there’s nothing like seeing John Michael Ferrari perform in person … a real showman. John’s music producer for almost 30 years, Pepper Jay, describes John’s songs as “relatable emotionally piercing lyrics with memorable unique musical hooks.” Performing singer guitarist John Michael Ferrari is a one-man show or he is joined on stage by other singers and/or his band. His style is akin to Jim Croce and Gordon Lightfoot, with a touch of light-hearted bubble-gum or heart felt love. Please see sample arrangements of John Michael Ferrari’s work at
John Michael Ferrari at ReverbNation
The Siren
EVENT PERFORMER
Outstanding Theatrical Performer
The Siren is an award winning multi-instrumentalist, music producer, singer/songwriter, engineer, and audio frequency scientist who invented a genre called “Epicstep” which has vocals, classical rooted composed music in a pop formula, and frequency modulation/manipulation circuit bending breakdowns in it. The Siren’s music is avant-garde and cinematic. It is created in an ancient sacred geometry based mathematical tuning at 432hz frequency based scale said to repair DNA through the vibrations as reported by ancient civilizations whose instruments were uncovered in this tuning. 432 number is also significant in the creation of our planet, moon, sun, and living organisms from the carbon molecule, to fibonacci based life forms, to the frequency beat of the planet and the human brain. The Siren is an activist who is a producer of the Free and Equal Elections Foundation’s United We Stand Fest where he performed at the 2016 Presidential debates in Colorado, has appeared on RT News in D.C, performed at March Against Monsanto, and co-headlined the Zeitgeist Media Fest by film director Peter Joseph. The Siren has won The Producer’s Choice Honors, The Global Music Awards, The Akademia Music Awards, has been nominated at the LA Music Awards, The Hollywood Music in Media Awards, was mentioned on the cover of 360 Magazine, charted #1 on Reverbation for LA, #1 in America, and #3 Globally. His music was featured on MTV Buzzworthy Top 5, with Just Bieber tour’s opening singer Vita Chambers with their hit “Fix You”. The Siren’s live ensemble consists of Singer/Pianist/Producer Kaisi Berick, Guitarist Apolla Asteria, Tribal Drummer Chazz Sutton, Fire Dancers, and Spark Grinders.