HAMLET — One Richmond County musician is in the running for a cash prize and a gig at a South Carolina festival.
Guitarist Jonathan Robinson has been selected as one of 20 acts from across the Southeast for the Rhythm and Q’s BBQ and Live Music Competition.
The “Clash at the Crossroads” contest features musicians from four states: 14 from South Carolina; three from Georgia; two from North Carolina (including Robinson); and one from Tennessee.
The only other Tar Heel act is hard rock band Unicorn King and the Supernatural out of Raleigh.
Robinson’s music is a blend of blues, rock and country, drawing inspiration from The Allman Brothers Band and Jimi Hendrix.
The other acts are from various genres including different styles of rock, soul, rap, hip hop, funk, R&B, country and Americana.
“I was a little shocked, honestly,” Robinson said about making the cut.
He said his wife Kristi found the contest through an acquaintance of hers on Instagram who’s a successful radio DJ.
“I sent my info in and didn’t think anything else about it,” he said. “When they called last week to say I was chosen for the top 20, I was pretty floored.”
He was also excited when he discovered he was leading the online voting after the first day. The poll showed he was still leading after Tuesday with nearly 1,600 votes. The next-closest act had 1,259 votes.
Voting ends July 31, the top six performers will be announced on Aug. 9 for the event, which is scheduled for Oct. 19 in Lake City, South Carolina.
Robinson — who released a four-song extended play (EP), “As Long As I’m Alive,” late last year — and his band, featuring drummer John Martin of Hamlet and bassist Bill Caswell, was also recently selected for The Pilot’s “Best of the Pines” awards.
He works at Casino Guitars in Southern Pines.
To vote, visit: https://www.rhythmnqs.com/music-competition-voting
