Grammy scouts visit Dallas CitrusFest showcase – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

A new sound is taking center stage in North Texas this week as Citrusfest Showcase makes its debut in Deep Ellum.

The event aims to spotlight local talent and elevate Dallas as a rising force in the global entertainment scene.

Set for Thursday, September 4, at The Studio at The Bomb Factory, the event will feature live concerts of five up-and-coming Dallas-based artists performing in front of fans, industry executives, and Grammy-winning producers.

“This debut isn’t about one night. This is about showing Dallas as a competitive force in global entertainment and music, with the talent and energy to rival any city in America,” said Sydney Peters, founder of Citrusfest and CEO of Citrus Ventures Group. “I think Dallas is a growing city. We have so many amazing emerging artists, and I wanted to give a platform for them to perform and actually get their name out there, giving the recognition that they deserve.”

Among the music heavyweights attending as talent scouts are J. White, known for his work with Beyoncé, Cardi B, and 21 Savage, and Tre Nagella, a four-time Grammy winner who’s collaborated with Lady Gaga, Kirk Franklin, and Blake Shelton.

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The showcase lineup includes:

Jayson Lyric – Dallas-based rap artist
Rachel Teague – Pop vocalist
Danny Joseph – Finalist on NBC’s The Voice Season 26
Brae Leni – R&B singer and visionary
Gracen Wynn – Winner of the 2025 Dallas Entertainment Awards

Each artist will perform live, with the opportunity to connect directly with producers, record labels, and talent scouts.

“I just wanted to give them a platform to perform and actually get their name out there,” Peters said. “Dallas is a growing city, and I think it’s going to be able to compete with LA, Atlanta, and New York.”

The event is backed by one of Dallas’ main tourism arms, Visit Dallas, as the city continues to grow in more ways than just sports tourism.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the debut of Citrusfest to Dallas,” said Kristina Kirkenaer-Hart, director of cultural tourism & Dallas Music Office at Visit Dallas. “By bringing Grammy-winning producers together with emerging artists, this showcase reinforces our city’s growing reputation as a premier destination for live music and creativity.”

Dallas City Councilman Zarin Gracey said he sees Citrusfest as a pivotal moment for the city’s cultural identity.

“We know Dallas produces tremendous athletes – we are a sports town, no question. But we’re also a music town,” Gracey said. “We’ve quietly produced artists like Erykah Badu and Norah Jones. Citrusfest creates a space where new talent can be discovered and follow their dreams. This is a game changer for Dallas and North Texas.”

Gracey added that the showcase is part of a broader effort to define Dallas as a multifaceted city with strong roots in arts, culture, and innovation.

“We’ve always struggled to answer the question: Who is Dallas? And we’ve always struggled sometimes trying to answer that,” he said. “The fact is, we have so many different arms and tentacles and identities. I think this is one that shows yet another intentional investment in who we are. And I’m just excited to see what happens.”