Stronger Than The Storm Announces The Jersey Shore Soundoff Judges

TRENTON, N.J., Aug. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Stronger than the Storm, a comprehensive consumer campaign developed to raise awareness about the Jersey Shore's recovery following Hurricane Sandy, announced today the judges for its Jersey Shore Soundoff—a statewide music contest for local musicians to write and record an original song that could become New Jersey's next summer anthem. In proud Jersey Shore spirit, "Stronger than the Storm" has called upon some of the music industry's most prominent players to judge the competition.

The four judges are:

• Adam Blackstone - Musical director for Justin Timberlake and Nikki Minaj, and Adam Levine's advisor on The Voice
• Evan Lipschutz - Owner of echo Entertainment, LLC and A&R Executive of Fall Out Boy, Neon Trees and The Killers
• Jay Barnings - Associate at Flatiron/Borman Management - My Morning Jacket, Flight of the Conchords, Preservation Hall Jazz Band
• ELEW - A pianist and pop artist known for his modern day piano renditions of chart topping pop songs and featured artist on Josh Groban's "Straight to You Tour"

"Every day, thousands of acts across New Jersey look for their big break," said Adam Blackstone, musical director for Justin Timberlake and Nikki Minaj, and Jersey Shore Soundoff judge. "I'm proud to have found my love of music in the churches of New Jersey and nearby Philadelphia, and continue to watch, foster and mentor some of the area's finest musicians. So I know what this contest can mean for these artists; it's the perfect platform to showcase talents to the industry's influencers, while also rocking out in front of hundreds of their biggest fans."

These key players in the music industry will help select the winner of this competition that puts the spotlight on the Jersey Shore's pride and talent. The grand prize for the winner will be the opportunity to open for a major music act at the Stronger than the Storm Soundoff on September 7.

"I have watched many of the most popular artists grow within the music industry," said Evan Lipschutz, owner of echo Entertainment, LLC and A&R Executive of Fall Out Boy, Neon Trees and The Killers. "I look forward to this contest potentially producing the next great performer that we will be seeing up and down the Shore for years to come."

The second round of online voting began on August 12 and will continue through August 18. A judging panel will then weigh in to determine three finalists. The winner will then be determined during the final stage of voting August 19 - 25 and then announced to the public on September 4. Fans can cast their votes online once a day. Please check Strongerthanthestorm.com or our Facebook page for specific information about the September 7 concert.

For the most up-to-date information on all things Jersey Shore related, please visit www.strongerthanthestorm.com

About Stronger than the Storm
Stronger than the Storm is a comprehensive consumer campaign developed to raise awareness of the Jersey Shore's recovery from Superstorm Sandy in an effort to support tourism and local businesses.  The campaign encourages New Jerseyans and potential visitors to come to the Jersey Shore, support local businesses, as they are ready and have reopened their doors.  Managed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and with support from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the campaign highlights the region's ongoing recovery preparedness for the summer of 2013 tourist season.  The Jersey Shore represents the largest portion of New Jersey's $38 billion tourism industry and is a major source of jobs and economic activity for the state.  In addition to being a central component of the state's economy and work force, the Jersey Shore is also one of our nation's great environmental and recreational treasures.  For more information and to learn more about community resources and exciting events taking place at the Jersey Shore this summer, please visit www.strongerthanthestorm.com.

Facebook: Strongerthanthestorm 
Twitter: @NJStronger 
Instagram: NjStronger, #STTS
YouTube: Strongerthanthestorm 

SOURCE Stronger than the Storm