The 9:30 Club is amazing! It has all the bells and whistles a "real" club should have -- including an amazing "headlining artist dressing room" that is funky enough to hold candles and a purple and blue color scheme, but classy enough to have a mural painted on the ceiling.

This was definitely a close race again, but Toni Blackman, a positive R&B/Rap Artist (similarities close to Queen Latifah), took the coveted prize and will play on July 28.

I was told by some of the folks that had heard Toni before that she is involved with keeping kids off the streets and allowing them to express themselves through music. Sounds like a powerful influence -- musically and personally!

The runner up was Jeznick.

The judges included:

• Rich Heinecke, Owner, 9:30 Club
• Amy Austin, Washington City Paper
• Pat Ferrise, Music Director, WHFS
• Tina Plottel, Washington City Paper

Note: Carolyn is travelling across North America representing Lilith Fair at the Talent Searches and sending back daily reports.