07/22/2025
On Friday night, the first-ever Southern Illinois Made Talent Show took place at Little Nashville Cafe & Lounge on Marion’s Tower Square Plaza. Ten performers took the stage during the event: Edwin Linson, Justin Grant, Gianna Laurencio, Jonah McGuire, Alessandra Nicholson, Phoebe Baker, Matt Sneed, Colorado Dave, Addy Underwood, and Ivy Scholes. Following the performances, nearly 500 votes were cast within just 15 minutes. The audience selected Justin Grant and Phoebe Baker as the top two finalists, and ultimately, Phoebe Baker was named the first-ever Southern Illinois Made Talent Show champion. Her name will be the first engraved on a traveling trophy that will be awarded to future winners in the years to come. The event was emceed by Tom Harness and judged by Bill Swinford, Michelle Sirles, and Allison Hasler, who originally helped select the top 10 finalists during auditions held in May. Jared Long, of Illinois State Senator Dale Fowler’s office, was the driving force behind the idea and played a key role in getting the event off the ground. Proceeds from the event supported two meaningful local causes: the Marion VA Food Pantry and Down the Leash, a service dog training program that pairs dogs with veterans and individuals in need. The evening was made possible thanks to the support of numerous sponsors and community partners, including Fowler Heating and Air, 20’s Hideout Steakhouse, the City of Marion, Harness Digital Marketing, SI Made Expo, and Little Nashville. Production and live streaming efforts were handled by Swinford Media Group, Mann Voice, and Growing Media/The Spiel, ensuring that audiences both in person and online could experience the event. The full show is archived and available for viewing on the Swinford Media Group pages and YouTube Channel. Ticketing and live audience voting were managed by Byram Fager of the Southern Illinois Community Foundation. A complete photo gallery from the night, captured by Swinford Media Group’s Abbie Cullum, can be viewed here: https://rswinedits.pixieset.com/southernillinoismadetalentshow/
