Judges

2019 Judges

Victoria Jasperson

Victoria Jasperson has been a vocalist since the age of 6 and an instrumentalist since 3rdgrade. She played the French Horn through College and was All State twice in the State of Nebraska for Orchestra and Band. She was in Choir, madrigal ensemble and soloist through High School in which she participate and placed 1stat State in the State of Nebraska, competed at a National competition and was first place winner her Junior year and went on to college to sing in the Elite Chorale as a Freshman as well as going on a summer International Choir Tour.

She went on to worship leading, singing and directing Choir, small group ensembles and soloist as well as Children’s, Jr. High and High School Choir in various churches for 25+ years. She has been a private vocal teacher and is leading worship in a small local church alongside her husband.

 

 

Gene Shillman

Gene Shillman is transplant to the Cave Creek area from Southern California. He has taught music to children and adults for many years, but each year his favorite part of teaching has been preparing kids for preforming live.  Gene is excited to participate in this year’s Rock the District as he’s been a big fan of the concept and the reality of this event for years. He’s especially looking forward to seeing the talent that comes to audition, and the performances and competition between the bands that will happen each night of the shows.  This program provides an opportunity for these young musicians and their bands to work on a variety of skill sets that can serve them well as they work towards their professional musical careers.  Here’s to the success of all the 10th annual Rock the District participants.  Long Live Rock the District!

 

 

Jennifer LouisJennifer Louis has been an active member in the Cave Creek community for many years.  She previously served on the Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation as Vice Chair and Rock the District coordinator (2014-2017)  She has been an educator specializing in early literacy for over twenty years and enjoys playing the flute, being a “band mom” and supporting local interests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karl Nagy

Karl Nagy is a Rock The District Alumni as the lead singer/bassist of Promise To Myself playing over 30 shows across the Valley as well as opening up for National acts like the Plain White T’s and The Home Team and will be sharing the stage with Flo-Rida this coming March. Karl is also a full-time student at ASU studying business and music with plans on going on tour to promote Promise To Myself’s studio EP “One For The Runaways”, as well as its two, accompanying music videos. He is happy to be back at RTD where it all started and is excited to see what new bands will be playing this year.”

 

 

 

 


2018 Judges

John McJunkin

John McJunkin is a platinum award-winning 25-year veteran engineer and producer.  He is the chief engineer and staff producer in the Center for Worship Arts at Grand Canyon University, and is the author of over 300 pro audio product reviews and features in publications like Mix, Remix, Sound & Video Contractor, and Church Production magazines.  He is an independent producer/mixer, and owns and operates Shabby Road Studios in Chandler, Arizona.  He has worked on releases featuring a broad diversity of artists ranging from country supergroup Alabama to metal superstar David Ellefson of Megadeth to Christian folk artists Rend Collective.  He formerly produced, co-hosted, and guest-hosted Sharpe In The Morning on Phoenix’ top-rated NewsTalk 550 KFYI with Phoenix broadcasting legend Jim Sharpe.

 

 

Dan Emrey

Singer/Songwriter Dan Emrey relocated to Cave Creek, AZ in November of 2009 from Lancaster, PA where he was born and raised. Dan has been writing songs and performing live for over 20 years and has recorded a number of albums. Dan graduated from Shippensburg University in 1999 where he earned his B.A. in Fine Art with a concentration in Music Theory and Vocal Performance.  Dan has a standing gig every Saturday night @ JW Marriott-Camelback Inn and has also performed at many other venues throughout the valley.

 

 

 

 

 

Stacy Nupoff – Planning events, festivals, concerts and working with musicians has always been part of Stacy’s life. Her dad was a producer of many Irish and Scottish festivals and concerts in California. Stacy decided that Law Enforcement is where she wanted to be and headed to school to study Forensics.  Graduated top in her classes with a degree in Forensics and Criminal Studies, she got the opportunity to work with one of the nation’s largest multi-jurisdictional drug task forces. After spending 10 years in law enforcement, she returned to her true passion of music, by going to work for CBS Radio, KFWB, KRTH, KROQ, KLSX and others in the Los Angeles market, learning everything from sales to marketing, promotions and production. After moving to Arizona, she became the Special Events Manager for the Carefree Resort,  handling everything from private parties and weddings to concerts featuring national touring artists. After leaving the resort, she was hired as a Talent Buyer & Public Relations Manager for once of Arizona’s largest concert promoters, working with some of the biggest agents and venues in the nation to bring touring artists to their venues.

Stacy has worked with some of the biggest names in music during her career in the music industry.  KORN, Buckcherry, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Heart, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony of Van Halen, Jason Bonham, The Cult, Fitz & The Tantrums, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Johnny Winter, Bruce Hornsby, Everclear, Sugar Ray, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Slash, Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, Brian Setzer, Steve Vai, and many, many more!

Stacy is also a big supporter of local musicians giving them advise on how to manage the world of booking and promoting shows. She also manages the up and coming rock band TRIDON.

 

 

Alexis McNeil

Inspired by my mother’s battle with breast cancer, I changed career paths from artist/designer to physician. It was Naturopathic Medicine that extended my mother’s life and enlightened my passion for healing.

Upon earning my medical degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, I completed a 2 year residency in Acute Family Medicine and Women’s Health at Centro De Salud Familiar in downtown Phoenix, AZ. As a physician I have remained true to my artistry by incorporating cosmetic injections into my practice, truly treating women inside and out. Together with my husband Dr. Jason McNeil, we have formed North Valley Medical Center; a full service primary care clinic dedicated to compassionate patient centered care. Out of the office you will find me with my family and friends, doing yoga, playing drums, enjoying good healthy organic food, and hiking with my dog.

 

Luke Hanagan

While New Jersey born and raised, veteran Rock the District judge and mentor Luke Hanagan, has been living in a 1980s, Sunset Strip state of mind since he was younger than most of our RTD performers. On his way to LA to be the next big thing, Luke stopped in Tucson to study journalism at the U of A . That led to a gig writing in rural Arizona, then to the Valley where he met a Jersey girl and the rest was history. Luke was hooked on Rock the District from the moment he got involved. Being in a rock band shaped a lot of his youth and he relishes any opportunity to encourage and nurture that experience for kids today. Luke spends most of his free time poolside cheering on his daughters who are both competitive swimmers. When not there he’s plotting more time with his guitar toys or catching his favorite bands at venues across the Valley.