Puckett's Grocery annouces Kevin So as winner of "Rising Star 7"

FRANKLIN, TN (June 11, 2010–Singer/Songwriter Kevin So is the new winner of this season’s “Rising Star” competition. In the seventh season of the open-mic songwriting contest at Puckett’s Grocery in downtown Franklin, So beat over 125 competitors and the top three finalists, walking away with a cash prize of $500 and the title of “Rising Star 7.”

So, who is Asian American and celebrating his one-year anniversary of being a Tennessee resident says that his win is just one step closer to the acceptance of racial diversity in country music.

“Winning this competition is proof that music, at least, can be colorblind,” says So. “We still have a long way to go as far as breaking down racial stereotypes, but as long as music continues to break down some of these walls, I'll stick with this profession.”  

The judges for the final round included producer Dennis Deering, founder and president of Indie Heaven, Kevin Mohr, and Embassy Music president, Darwin Moody.

“Kevin So was the most creative and commercial contestant in Rising Star 7,” says Mohr. “His songs were witty, smartly written, and delivered with authenticity and passion!”

In addition to the cash prize, So will also be playing at Puckett’s alongside of some of Nashville's best-known singer-songwriters on June 29 at 7pm. Among those featured will be Mark D. Sanders, who has written 14 number 1 hits, 50 singles, and over 200 cuts, including the famous Lee Ann Womack single “I Hope You Dance.” Sarah Majors, who has penned songs for some of the industry’s most well known stars, including Vince Gill, Trisha Yearwood and Trace Adkins will also take the stage.

“Rising Star 8” will kick-off July 6 and for the first time in Rising Star history, will have a headlining sponsor. Heineken will be donating finances so that several runners up, in addition to the show’s winner, will walk away with a prize.

“I am looking forward to ‘Rising Star 8,” says Mohr. “Because of Heineken, we will be able to award a cash prize to each preliminary winner! Thanks to Andy Marshall and the Puckett’s staff!”

For more information on Rising Star, visit www.puckettsgrocery.com. Each of the preliminary events will feature up to twenty singer/songwriters. Audience members and industry judges will cast their vote for their favorite songwriter, moving the winners onto the next round. To participate, contestants must arrive at Puckett's Grocery at 120 Fourth Avenue South in Franklin by 6 p.m. each Tuesday to register for each preliminary event. All participants are encouraged to bring friends, as the audience members will choose 7 of the finalists.  Everyone is invited to perform his or her song.  A keyboard will be provided.

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ABOUT PUCKETT'S GROCERY & RESTAURANT
Founded by the Puckett family in the 1950s, Puckett's has served as a country store to several communities in Williamson County. Andy Marshall bought the Leiper's Fork Puckett's Grocery in 1998. In 2002, Puckett's branched out to start a formal dinner and music program. With all of the talented writers in and around town, the Friday night writers' show grew fast with people coming from all over to hear some of the finest that the industry has to offer in a cool, eclectic environment. Shortly after that, another opportunity opened up to expand Puckett's to Marshall's hometown and first love for community, in Historic Downtown Franklin. In February 2010, Puckett’s added to their already hefty list of accolades. Southern Exposure Magazine awarded eight Sizzle Awards to Puckett’s including Williamson county’s best burger, best meat and three, best staff and servers, best caterer, best value, and best live music.

Rob Robinson and his family now own the Leiper's Fork location, while the Marshall family plans to expand into the Downtown Nashville community, set to open in the fall of 2010.