October 20, 2026 — The Hudson Valley’s music scene has a new stage at Marist. Next Level (LVL) Live: A Hudson Valley Showcase brings local and campus artists to the University for monthly public showcases and an artist residency. The next showcase is Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Cabaret. 

Next LVL Live is part of the newly established Marist Community Artist Alliance (MCAA), an initiative supported by a SPARK Grant that connects Marist students with the local creative community. Students gain experience in event production, communications, digital media, audience engagement, theater production, and artist relations. Participating artists gain opportunities to perform on a new stage, reach new audiences, and “step into stardom” through an audience-voted competition.  

The grant for the program was awarded to the Office of Community and Belonging in alignment with the vision of Marist 100. The program’s leadership team includes Dr. Aundrea Matthews, Program Director of the Office of Community and Belonging, Steven Dana, Associate Professor of Digital Media, Michael Napolitano, Director of Music and Senior Lecturer of Music, and Sonia Roy, Distinguished Professional Lecturer of Fashion Design & Merchandising. 

“Next LVL Live gives students the opportunity to move beyond the classroom and into real-world creative leadership roles,” said Dr. Matthews. “They're producing events, promoting artists, building audiences, and creating meaningful connections between Marist and the Hudson Valley arts community.” 

Students Lead the Program 

 
Irene Makrinos '27, Devvani Choudhury '28, Olufunke Gando '28, Isabella Naldi, Maya Waters '28, Gianna Felicissimo '28, and Pablo Gonzalez '27. Not Pictured Yahya Kahn '28. Photo by Alexandra Rossi/Marist University.   

Eight Marist students work directly on Next LVL Live and are supported by additional student volunteers who help with the showcases and programming. 

Devvani Choudhury '28, a communication major in Marist’s five-year dual degree marketing program, handles art and digital media for Next LVL Live. 

"I’m learning a lot about the ins and outs of the entertainment industry," said Devvani. “As someone who wants to go into the industry post-graduation, this is a unique opportunity to experience that environment while still having the support of a seasoned creative team to guide us as students.” 

For Maya Waters '28, a fashion merchandising major with a concentration in fashion promotion, the program is a chance to put her existing skills to work and build new ones. 

“Within this environment, we are getting real world experience working with these artists from the Hudson Valley,” said Maya. “I am excited to see all of our abilities come together to advance these artists’ careers.” 

Gianna Felicissimo '28, a communication major, is a creative production assistant for Next LVL Live. She helps style the residency artists and plans to run workshops on stage presence, social media, and finding their signature sounds.  

“Next LVL Live provides me with an opportunity to operate on a team similar to a record label,” said Gianna. “I am working with my team in many aspects to ensure our artists go from performing at small local events to earning bookings on much more impressive and grand stages.” 

Voices Raised, Votes Cast  

 
Student volunteer Kayla Jeter '30 leading the September showcase, engaging with audience members and introducing the artists. Photo by Aiden Colby, Forge Media.  

About 25 artists are participating this year. Five residency artists, Tayla Rees, Bridget Kelly, Samantha Vega, Ralph M'Vore, and Sherma Andrews, will work with students through workshops and mentorship, building toward a ticketed showcase on April 3, 2027. 

Emerging local and student artists will perform at monthly showcases, on October 21, November 19, and December 2. Students, audience members, and community attendees can vote for their favorite performers. Audience voting will help determine which performers open for the residency artists at the showcase. 

Connecting Marist and the Local Arts Community 

 
Next LVL Live artists during the September meet and greet. Photo by Aiden Colby, Forge Media. 

The program has support from the MCAA's Professional Community Committee, Marist faculty and staff, community artists like Poet Gold, and community partners including The Art Effect, a Poughkeepsie-based nonprofit. 

“I want to help students gain more independence,” said Paul Thompson, Next LVL Live community partner and Director of Forge Media, an apprentice-based video production company that is part of The Art Effect. “Being able to provide these kinds of opportunities locally is huge. It’s exciting to see how much the students grow by the end of each year.”  

Students and members of the public are encouraged to attend the monthly showcases, support participating artists, and vote for their favorite contestants. For showcase dates, artist information, and updates about the upcoming October 21 event, visit @nextlvl.live on Instagram or contact Nextlvllive@gmail.com.