(Arnolds Park)– A young musician from Spencer is a finalist in this year’s Iowa Rocks Talent Competition. Haedden Slawson is among the seven individual artists and five bands who will be competing for top honors Labor Day Weekend as part of the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Music Association’s Hall of Fame induction weekend in the Iowa Great Lakes.
Janice Hill, Iowa Rocks Talent event coordinator, says the 12 finalists will participate in a live competition September 5th
at the Pearson Lakes Art Center…
“They have eight minutes to wow us with the most amazing show they can. Then our panel of esteemed judges who are quite amazing in their own right, kind of have a variety of factors that they look at. We have two primary categories of winners and that’s the best band or duo, and then the best individual artist. And then from there we have a couple of sub categories which is the best vocalist as well as the best instrumentalist, and this year we have adopted, we call it rock star recognition, to really kind of spotlight individuals with extreme personality and showmanship and stage presence.”
The winners in each category will receive recording opportunities. In addition, Hill says the young musicians will be able to get some valuable advice and ask questions…
“A discussion panel where they can talk with the judges about what does a career in music look like: the good, the bad and the ugly. What are the opportunities, what do I look out for, and really get feedback from people who have been in the business a long time. So that’s one feature. And then at the end of the competition they don’t just get a trophy and leave, or they don’t just get their judging sheet and leave, they have an opportunity to meet one on one with a judge who is really schooled and has a lot of experience within the music industry, and they will offer a five minute glows and grows session to just get that one on one feedback about where are your strengths and where do we see opportunities that you could really do some work and make yourself a real rock star.”
This will mark the 12th year for the Iowa Rocks Talent competition.
The 2026 Iowa Rocks Talent Finalists
Individual Artists:
- Ralph Dittman — Sioux City, Iowa
- Charlie Gandy — Shenandoah, Iowa
- Haedden Slawson — Spencer, Iowa
- Colton Baych — Springville, Iowa
- Cydni Slycord — Waukee, Iowa
- Raunak Epping — Bettendorf, Iowa
- Rowan Fisher — Davenport, Iowa
Youth Bands:
- Probable Cause — Burlington, Iowa
- The Denim — Perry, Iowa
- Day On Venus — North Liberty, Iowa
- Brothers Under Tough Times — Craig, Iowa
- 7Ark — Donahue, Iowa
