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Local artists exhibit their talents at Underground Music Showcase Cleveland

Cleveland has always been a hub for good music; acts such as Bone Thugs-N- Harmony, Kid Cudi and Machine Gun Kelly all hail from Northeast.

Cleveland has always been a hub for good music; acts such as Bone Thugs-N- Harmony, Kid Cudi and Machine Gun Kelly all hail from Northeast Ohio.

But all big names get their start somewhere.

On Tuesday, the Grog Shop played host to the Underground Music Showcase Cleveland.

In it's second run, the showcase aims to shed light on local artists on the rise.

Whether you're just beginning your career or you're a veteran, the showcase caters to artists at any level in their career.

"It’s time to make a change and it’s time to make enough noise..we’ve got the best basketball team in the world. Everybody is winning, so it’s time to give back to the city on the music side," said Curtis Jay, CEO and Founder of UMS Cleveland.

More than 100 artists competed for a shot to perform at this month's showcase, only 10 were selected.

- Chikere Nuru

- Free Peace Ohio

- Jay Kicks

- Asari the God

- Young Vone

- Pressplay MJ

- Dre the Plug

- Tone Sinatra

- Billionaire Dreamz

- Richie Red

These 10 artists were selected after receiving the most votes from their fans and supporters.

DJ Kid Lou opened up the night with a host of mixes that moved and excited the crowd.

Talented acts continued throughout the night.

Check out this clip of a local drummer by the name of EJ the Animal.

Drumming to Meek Mill's "Dreams and Nightmares", the crowd couldn't help but to be engulfed in his captivating energy.

Like his name implies, EJ remained in beast mode throughout the night, serving as the rhythm behind several acts.

Two lone female artists graced the stage Tuesday night, Angel Dust from the group CNC and Cassidy King.

While showcasing two different styles of music, both artists were equally able to connect with the crowd in their own way.

And that is what Brady Payne, Creative Director for UMS Cleveland says the showcase is all about.

" The platform just basically brings everybody together, it brings the people that probably didn’t have those connections to maybe get a look from a certain group of people and it’ just really great for the city." said Payne.

The intimate setting of the Grog Shop allowed for artists to actively engage with audience members.

R & B and hip-hop artist Anthony Henry, better known as Congrez didn't hold back as he selected a female audience member and began serenading her to his latest single, " Makeup sex be the best."

The night was filled with performances by other talented artists such as Icky Al, Bellaire Ro$eff, Young Kobe, No Soda Cxka, Yo Boy BJ, and more.

For photos from Tuesday's performance, click here.

According to Curtis, showcases will be held every other month.

The next showcase is scheduled for July 25.

For more information, or if you're interested in performing at UMS Cleveland, click here.

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