Seminole country is a big, talented place. From the youth to the elders, there are singers, songwriters, fluteplayers, and rappers. In order to showcase the diversity of the tribe, Promotions Director Micki Free came up with the idea of a Seminole Star Search.

Young Tori Osceola
and her Spotlight Award.
Photos by Felix DoBosz

In the spring of 2008, Free took a panel of judges – singer Shea, bassist Jon Brant, and singer/ songwriter Matt Kramer – on a bus tour to all the reservations across the long state of Florida. At each reservation, including Tampa, Hollywood, Big Cypress, they held an open call for performers to show up and strut their stuff. Contestants were evaluated for their stage presence, vocal or instrumental ability and presentation.

Matt Kramer leads the group song

“It’s not like American Idol,” says judge Jon Brant. “We want to find the best of the best and encourage the rest. This can be a real platform for these artists, and we need to be as constructive in our evalations as we can.”

Watch for Micki Free and his “Star Search crew” coming to various reservations to teach future stars how to sing better, look better on stage, and very importantly, how to prepare for the next Seminole Star Search.

Spencer Battiest giving his winning gospel performance