“I love to perform but I also love to write songs,” Janice Gilbert explains.

Singing and songwriting has been a part of Gilbert’s life for many years.

“My mom says I started singing as soon as I could,” she adds. “My mom has been
a big influence for me and my music.”

Gilbert’s talent earned her the coveted spot of being the 2004 Dakota Star talent
search winner at the South Dakota State Fair. On May 10, 2005 she will be releasing her
first CD single with independent record label C-Sharp Productions.

“I found out about the contest on the State Fair website. I was familiar with the
first winner, Callee Bauman, so I thought I would give it a try,” Gilberts says.

Gilbert is a Miller, SD native and now resides in Arlington, SD where she is a
vocal music teacher. She has competed around the midwest in singing competitions, and
has advanced to the finals in many of those.

Gilbert says the experience of winning Dakota Star has opened up many more
opportunities for her.

“I am excited to release my CD, and it also made me realize how much I love to
write songs. I want to continue to develop my songwriting and performing,” Gilbert says.
“This is going to open more performance opportunities for me.”

Gilbert will be releasing her CD on May 10. What advice does she give
contestants in this year’s Dakota Star contest?

“Don’t get up there because you think you are the best. Get up there to entertain
the crowd. It’s about being an entertainer, not having an ego.”

For more info on Janice Gilbert and the Dakota Star contest log on to
www.sharpmusic.com and www.sdstatefair.com.