Judges
Amanda Beagle
Amanda Beagle is a vocalist and voice teacher residing in Howland, OH. She maintains a thriving private voice studio mentoring students of all ages. Driven by the belief that all people benefit from an active participation in the arts, Amanda believes everyone has a beautiful voice. All people benefit from training rooted in voice science that helps them build a reliable and sustainable vocal technique they can rely on for longevity and vocal health. Amanda Beagle Vocal Studio is active in the community performing with the Packard Band at their Family Christmas Spectacular, the Hometown Holidays Festival in Downtown Warren, Rock for Reason raising money for terminal illness as well as local libraries and Amanda's yearly showcase concert. Learn more at www.amandabeagle.com.
Career highlights include touring the world with Holland America Cruise Lines and Stiletto Entertainment in their Showroom at Sea cabaret style shows. She performed in the Operetta Babes in Toyland at Lincoln Center in NYC and professional regional theater productions of Les Miserables, The Wizard of Oz and Beauty and the Beast. Locally she has been featured with the Packard Band, Greenville Symphony Orchestra, the Youngstown Symphony Jazz Ensemble and Arts on Atlantic. A former Miss Ohio for Miss America, Amanda won a talent award at Miss America and championed the value of arts education and arts integrated curriculum. Amanda gives back to the community through organizations like the Kiwanis Club of Warren, The Warren Italian-American Festival Committee, Warren Music Club and SMARTS - Students Motivated by the Arts.
Billy Beck
Billy Beck is a classically trained pianist with a long career as one of the original members of the “Ohio Players”. He was the keyboardist for the group’s long string of hit songs and successful albums in the 1970’s. Originally from Youngstown and now residing in Warren, Ohio, Beck discovered his musical gift playing in church at a young age.
Private lessons and music classes at Youngstown State University followed until he met the Ohio Players in 1973 on their tour stops in Youngstown. Clarence Satchell, the guitarist of the group, saw Beck perform with three different bands. Billy was first hired to fill in on a few dates, but was then asked to stay on permanently. He became a core member and co-writer of the group’s biggest hits.
Billy Beck has also created hit music for numerous other artists including Zapp and Shirley Murdock. “I just enjoy and love and appreciate music,” He continues to tour today along with three other original Ohio Players. “I just love and appreciate good music”. Billy also works with aspiring artists to lend experience and expertise in all areas of the music industry.
Doug Thomas
When a very young Doug saw The Beatles on TV in 1964 he knew what he wanted to do. As multi-instrumentalist, lead singer and front man for countless bands and musical projects over the years, Doug has remained true to his calling. He is well known around the NE Ohio music scene and has recently returned to the area after years of entertaining audiences in Atlanta, Nashville, and throughout the South. Doug’s recent engagements include appearances at The Hardrock Rocksino, The House Of Blues, River Rock At The Amp, and The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He is presently touring with the nationally known Chicago tribute “Brass Metropolis.” Doug is also an award winning songwriter whose compositions have been recorded by numerous country and blues artists, including members of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His appearances with The W. D. Packard Band are especially meaningful to him because his father, the late Frank (Pete) Thomas was a much admired member for many years.
Jackie Popovec
Jackie Popovec is the powerhouse voice and creative force behind The Vindys, the Youngstown, Ohio-based band that has captivated audiences with its signature fusion of rock, soul, and pop. With a voice that commands attention and a songwriting style that blends raw emotion with infectious hooks, Jackie has earned high praise from legends like Pat Benatar, who declared, “She’s amazing. That girl can sing her ass off.”
Since forming The Vindys in 2017, Jackie has led the band to national acclaim, sharing stages with icons such as Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, ZZ Top, Marcus King, Beth Hart, and Ann Wilson. Their anthemic track “Are You Ready”landed in ESPN commercials, while their music video for “Bugs” earned an exclusive selection at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival. Critics have taken notice—The Washington Post’s Marc Thiessen raved, “Jackie Popovec is a revelation… By the end, they were delivering a raucous standing ovation. See. This. Band.”
Martin Cohen
Mr. Cohen is a 35-year music industry veteran. He is a professional musician, promoter, production manager, stage manager and booking agent since 1985. His involvement with the music community and business leaders in the Mahoning Valley community will help ensure success for DownBeat Musical Artist Centre. Martin (Marty) owned and operated Mickey’s Army Navy Store, a flagship retail store in Warren, Ohio for 40 years. He is also the Co-Founder of Sunrise Entertainment in Warren and has over ten years of experience in the regional entertainment industry, promoting “River Rock at the Amp” at Warren’s Community Amphitheater and “Back At the Pack” events at Packard Music Hall.
Mr. Cohen is a graduate of The Ohio State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Business and Education. Marty is a past president of the Warren Chamber of Commerce, and a current member of the following community organizations: The Boy Scouts of the Western Reserve Council, American Red Cross Board of Directors, Trumbull County Board of Mental Health, Warren Lions Club, Melvin E. Jones Fellowship, Trumbull 100, The Buckeye Club, HMHP Finance Committee, and the Kent State Advisory Board.
Mariano Longo
Mariano has over 50 years of experience in music performance, production, recording, arranging, conducting, concert promotion, logistics, touring, artist promotion and management. He has a thorough understanding of many facets of the music industry and has worked with artists and industry people of all ages and backgrounds throughout his career.
“As a music producer and conductor, I routinely communicate across ethnic, racial and cultural barriers. I have managed to travel the world working with national level recording artists and arrange and conduct for symphony orchestras.” “I understand the “Life Cycle” of musical artists – from entry level through retirement. DownBeat Musical Artist Centre is designed to service musicians at all points along their journey. “I am a member in good standing of the A.F.M. – American Federation of Musicians Local 369 in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as a member in good standing of ASMAC – The American Society of Musical Arrangers and Composers.” Mariano is also the owner of “Orchestral Events, LLC” www.orchestralevents.com – a company that provides orchestral pops programming to symphony orchestras across North America.
Mr. Longo is currently the pianist for international recording and media star, Wayne Newton for all touring dates. He has played piano and/or conducted for touring artist such as: Gary Puckett, Lesley Gore, The Letterman, The Buckinghams, Jay & The Americans, Richard Street’s Tempations, Sonny Turner’s Platters, The Miracles, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Shirley Allston Reeves, The Shirelles, and Little Peggy March.