Under 21 with Guardian

Josephine Eve
Josephine Eve is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Kansas City, Missouri. With a unique style that defies traditional genre boundaries, her original music showcases a diverse range of sounds, making it hard to pin down a specific genre. In 2023 and 2024 she was nominated for “Best Vocalist” on The Pitch, and won best vocalist this year for Heartland Music Awards. While also traveling all over the United States performing her music for the world, including her most recent single “Jane, Josephine loves to perform cover songs spanning from the 60s to the present, incorporating elements of classic rock and R&B into her repertoire. Her passion for music shines through in every performance, captivating audiences with her versatility and creativity.

Jillian Riscoe
Singing and performing since the age of 7, Jillian Riscoe has had her share of success. The award-winning Kansas City native singer/songwriter and musician has toured and performed across the United States, including at the NAMM show, for major sporting events/teams like the KC Royals, KC Current and more, the Grammy Museum Music Revolution Project, and the CDBaby DIY Musician’s Conference. She has received regional music awards, secured national radio airplay including her hometown hit country station Q104 w/ a recent multiple guest co-host spots on the CMA Awards nominated show The Morning Drive w/ Jenny Matthews & Todd Nixon, has been featured on regional TV programs such as Great Day KC on FOX4, CBS/Paramount+, ESPN and has opened up for over a dozen international touring artists & bands.

Splitting her time between Kansas City & Nashville, she also is always “on the road,” bringing the music with her wherever that may lead…

Blending a soulful modern country sound with early influences of her pop/rock career, 90s country & a mix of her favorite singer/songwriters spanning various genres/decades – you can find Jillian performing up to 200+ live shows each year, both acoustic & with her full band, co-writing with songwriters around the Midwest, Nashville & beyond; she recently released a brand new acoustic EP, Ancient History (Acoustic Sessions) & is in the process of recording a brand new original album in Nashville, TN. Jillian is set to release her next original single “Goin’ Somewhere,” produced by Cedric Israel in Nashville, TN to all digital music streaming platforms late summer 2026. You can follow her musical journey at JillianRiscoe.com & all social media platforms.

DEANN
A Kansas native, DEANN, in one word, is an Entertainer. With her small town roots and her big city heart, DEANN has been involved with music from her early years throughout college and has been based in the Kansas City music scene since 2010. DEANN can be found on most weekends in the KC metro performing with her working band, Superstar Mafia.

DEANN's songwriting journey began with her first single release called SIREN. The song was recorded in January 2020. DEANN, like many other artists during 2020, had an opportunity to re-set, focus and create. What surfaced was a storyteller, a songwriter that came to fruition with the release of her debut album called Play Them Cards on June 3rd, 2021. The songs "Dirt Road" and "If I Had Known" both received alternate winner titles at the internationally attended Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival in Winfield, KS.

On October 15th, 2025 her concept album, Phoenix Rising, debuted on the Knuckleheads Saloon stage. Phoenix Rising reveals a raw and honest portrayal of coming out of heartbreak, into renewal and growth. Deann prides herself in supporting other female original artists as a co-curator of Lyrical Belles Songwriters Round.

DEANN shares her passion, vision and storytelling giving listeners the opportunity to connect on a personal level, be it from their past, future or current reality. With all that DEANN has accomplished in her musical journey to date, she proudly celebrates her two sons, Corbin and Carson, as her greatest accomplishment in her life.

Penni Lawrence
Penni Lawrence is a versatile vocalist known for her warm tone and expressive delivery. Her performances showcase the versatility & sultry sound to perform any type of genre, with her shows featuring a blend of easy-listening rock, country, and blues.

Penni has opened shows for various artists including Tim McGraw, Lee Greenwood, Bryan White, Shenandoah, the Bellamy Brothers, Rick Trevino, & Gene Watson.

Penni's independently released CD "It’s About Time” includes 3 original songs and was recorded at EMI Studios on Nashville’s historic “Music Row”. This project was produced by Charlie Craig, who co-wrote with Alan Jackson on his #1 hit, “Wanted”.

Penni performs both acoustic sets and full band performances, offering flexibility for different types of events and venues. Her shows focus on melodic classics and recognizable favorites that connect easily with audiences.