2024 Athens’s Got Talent Contestants
Learn about this year’s Athens’s Got Talent contestants!
RC “Outlaw” Cowboy
RC Cowboy is an award-winning Country Artist, who is a songwriter and member of BMI. He is a Christian man from Greene County, GA, who has a vast network of friends and family that always support his music. He grew up poor but that has never stopped him. He started a band at the age of 13 and since then has performed with several bands, he has recorded three CD’s and receives radio play worldwide. From 1975 to 1984 he performed at the VFW Club in Jasper, County. In 1988 he graduated from Greene County High School in Greene County, GA. Loretta Lynn, Garth Brooks, and Hank Williams Jr. have been the biggest influences in his Country Music career. He loves to compete and has had three tryouts on “The Voice.” His other passions are acting, which has earned him leading roles in various Haunted Houses, the other is Karaoke. He now lives in Clarke County, GA where he continues to pursue his lifelong career of music and performing.
Jamila Zvonkovic
My name is Jamila and I am a fashion designer here in Athens! I own a local sustainable brand called, Z As In. I created my brand with the understanding that fashion should be a unique and fun experience, while still being ethical and sustainable. I also believe that ethical fashion is for everyone. My garments are upcycled from other clothing, or made from deadstock. My brand also sells adaptive wear and clothing in all size ranges. I decided to participate in Athens’s Got Talent because part of being an ethical clothing brand is being involved in projects that improve the community for the better and The Cottage has an amazing mission and helps a lot of people! For this event, I will be showcasing three of my outfit designs for my Spring/Summer 2024 collection.
Katie Collins
Katie Collins is a local Athens singer-songwriter. Katie has been playing piano, singing, and performing theater since she was very young. From a family of performers, she has been in the presence of musicians, street performers, and thespians her entire life.
Collins spent four years in Vancouver Canada performing throughout the music circuit and local scene.
Katie’s genre ranges from the classics to the modern, all with a melodic twist and deep tone.
Since landing in Athens, Katie has been perusing her music here. She is excited to be a part of Athens’s Got Talent again this year, in support of The Cottage.
Andrea Epps
Andrea Epps is a Gwinnett County local who will be performing a speed painting portrait of Dolly Parton set to a medley of Parton’s well loved songs! Andrea has been drawing in some capacity for most of her life, and painting in live shows for almost two years. She is a graduate of the University of West Georgia and current graduate student at Georgia State University, studying Film & Media Studies. Andrea is representing North West Georgia at the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition this summer, where she will be performing a version of this painting!
Joan Mann Dance Studio
The Joan Mann Dance Studio is thrilled to be a part of Athens’s Got Talent this year! For over 40 years, our studio has served the Watkinsville and Athens communities, instilling a passion for the performing arts in multiple generations of dancers. We offer combination classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz, contemporary, and tap for dancers of any age. For this event, we are showcasing Trustfall, choreographed by Eva Elarbee. This contemporary ballet piece features themes of friendship and perseverance. We hope our dance brings you joy!
Rick Bedell
Rick will be playing Native American flute for spiritual healing and relaxation along with Katie Collins and Ivan Strunnin as a jazz trio. Rick recently put out a new album with a number of Grammy award-winning violin players, guitar players and singers and he would love to talk to you about it! So sit back and relax and let your mind roam free. He hopes it will take you to another enlightened place of existence.
Taimishyl
Taimishyl is a singer-songwriter who is originally from Reading, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Athens. Her main musical styles are R&B, soul, gospel, and pop. Some of her musical influences include Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Jazmine Sullivan, and Le’Andria Johnson. Taimishyl has had a passion for singing since she was very young. During her early years, she sang in church choirs and school chorus classes. As she continues to pursue her music career, she wants to motivate and inspire the world around her to believe in themselves and follow their dreams. Currently, Taimishyl is working to release her first music project. More information about her upcoming new music can be found through her social media accounts.
Lina Ye
Lina Ye, a talented 9-year-old third-grade student, currently attends Rocky Branch Elementary School in Bogart, GA. Her passion for the performing arts ignited at a very young age, driving her to pursue excellence on prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall, along with numerous venues across Georgia. In 2023, she achieved 2nd place in the American Protégé International Vocal Competition, following an Honorable Mention in the 2022 edition. She further showcases her talent as a member of the Children’s Chorus of Atlanta Opera, recently gracing the stage in the opera La Boheme at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in January 2024.
Apart from her vocal talents, Lina is proficient in piano, ballet, and traditional Chinese dance. Her recent accomplishments include winning the Platinum Award and securing Overall 8th Place in Solo Dance, as well as securing Overall 3rd Place in Group Dance at the 2024 Showstopper Dance Competition. These achievements stand as a testament to her multifaceted talents and unwavering commitment to the world of performing arts.
Miles Bunch
Miles does stand up comedy that’s very silly. Miles hopes the audience is equal parts surprised and tickled by whatever it is that’s happening on stage.
He is excited to perform in the talent show because he loves The Cottage and what it does, alongside loving any opportunity to perform!
Jaye Geyer
Jaye attends the School of the Arts at Central Gwinnett High School, where she is in the Music Tech Conservatory. Jaye’s love of singing began at the age of 4. At 6 years old, she experienced the thrill of performing “Let It Go” from the movie Frozen in front of a large crowd with a standing ovation and has been hooked on the stage ever since. She also plays guitar and piano and is working on sharpening her songwriting skills. Jaye’s goal is to become a professional music artist and to one day sing on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Jaye is the reigning Miss Greater Atlanta’s Teen 2024 and will be competing for the title of Miss Georgia’s Teen this June. For Athens’s Got Talent, Jaye will be performing Demi Lavato’s “Warrior” in honor of all the warriors served by The Cottage.
Brooke Doss
Brooke Doss is an Atlanta native who will be performing a self-choreographed contemporary dance piece to "tolerate it" by Taylor Swift. Brooke has been dancing for 27 years and is an award-winning choreographer whose self-choreographed solos have earned various accolades at national dance competitions, including winning her the titles of Miss Starquest and Miss Star Power, as well as multiple preliminary talent awards at the Miss Georgia Scholarship Pageant. In addition to talent, Brooke also won several awards in swimsuit, evening gown, and onstage question during her time competing in the Miss Georgia pageant, and her proudest achievements were being named the Overall Interview winner in 2016 and placing twice as first runner-up to the title. Brooke is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Media and minors in dance, international affairs, and political science. Brooke has served as a staffer in the United States Senate for six years, working in constituent services and communications, and she is also the owner of and head coach for Wear the Crown Coaching, a national pageant and dance coaching firm. Brooke is excited to be performing and raising funds for such an incredible cause.
Patashia Bolden
Hello my name is Patashia Bolden I am originally from a small town called Folkston Georgia I am 43 years old and I started singing at the age of three I am a mother of four and I love singing my heart out it's my passion and I love touching peoples hearts through song.
Neelakshi Sudhagar
Neelakshi Sudhagar or Neela, is an Athens Local who will be dancing an Indian classical Dance form called Bharatnatyam. She is a Senior in High school and has been learning dance since she was 6 years old. She will be performing a section of a piece about the Hindu God Shiva as he dances to the drums of his trusted companion Nandi. She is extremely excited to share a part of her culture as well as show something she loves to do!