PERFORMING artist OF THE YEAR
Every year The Keystone Stage selects a musician that has shown exemplary talent. This musician also displays amazing support of other talent not only at The Keystone Stage but at different venues in the area.
2023 Performing artist of the year
JAY LOTUS
Born and raised in NEPA, Jay was influenced by art for his whole life. At a young age, Jay took interest in a variety of artists, from Jimi Hendrix to Tyler, The Creator. These influences stuck with him and grew. For most of his life he was just a fan of music, with no creative outlet for it. That was until his teenage years, when Jay truly began to understand the depth behind the art he was consuming. Jay expanded his taste beyond belief, and can now identify in some way with almost all genres of music. When Jay was about 16, he would freestyle with his friends, and developed a love for it. Though, at the time, he was focused on school and basketball, leaving no room for music. This would come to change due to unforeseen circumstances. At the age of 19 (2021) Jay began to write lyrics, and visualized a career in music. It wasn't long at all before Jay realized he had found his calling. In October 2022, he put out his debut single, "Katana (Freestyle)".
You can find Jay Lotus on all social media and music platforms or follow the links below
2022 Performing artist of the year
gus the savage
Gus The Savage is a 7 time award winning music artist born and raised out of the Bronx New York. Since beginning his career, he has performed with the likes of the Kottonmouth Kings and Mac Lethal W/ Crypt and Ferrell The Earthworm. In addition, Gus performed at the 2019 Electric City Music Conference and twice at the 2020 Steamtown Music Awards. Due to his unique style, he has become somewhat of a local celebrity, having songs featured on Scranton-based radio stations Alt 92.1 and 98.5 KRZ for their local music scene podcast. Gus credits his local stardom to NEPA Scene, a Scranton-based digital magazine’s Rising Talent Contest, which hosts numerous acts weekly. Some of the awards Gus has been honored to win are the 2019 Steamtown Music Award for “Hip Hop Act Of The Year” the 2019 570 Music Show Award for “Best Original Artist” the 2020 People’s Choice Steamtown Music Award for “Album Of The Year” for his album, “Savage ‘20” and the 2021 Peoples choice award for “Hip Hop Act Of The Year” at the 8th annual Steamtown music awards. In 2022 he gained 3 more awards, the Access NEPA “Best of” series “Best Virtual Performance” along with “Best New Local Album” as well as the keystone stage award for “Performer Of The Year.”
You can find Gus The Savage on all social media and music platforms or follow the links below