Citadel has announced the six finalists of the “Citadel Rising Star Contest.” The local band contest will award three artists or bands the chance to perform on the Citadel Rising Star stage at the first Citadel Country Spirit USA from Aug. 24 to 26.

The six finalists are: Derek Crider of Hamilton, N.J.; Stephanie Grace of Douglasville, Pa.; Erin Kelly of Allentown, Pa.; Johnni Levi of Douglasville, Pa.; Brian McConnell of West Chester, Pa.; and The Jess Zimmerman Band of Elverson, Pa.

Starting on July 9, fans will have a chance to vote to determine the three winners who will perform at Citadel Country Spirit USA. Each winning artist or band will perform two sets between acts on the Main Stage. One winner will perform on Friday, one on Saturday, and one on Sunday. The fan voting period ends at 11:59 p.m. on July 20. The three winners will be announced on July 27.

“Citadel is hosting this contest to recognize local talent from the Greater Philadelphia area. As a community-based organization, it is important to have these rising stars represented at Citadel Country Spirit USA,” said Jeff March, president and CEO of Citadel. “Our goal is to give local talent the opportunity to shine at this spectacular event.”

Citadel Country Spirit USA, being held at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds, features more than 20 country music artists on two stages. The festival features headliners Alabama, Toby Keith and Brad Paisley. The Main Stage lineup and schedule is available at www.CountrySpiritUSA.com.

Single-day tickets, priced from $89, and Three-Day Passes, starting from $249, are on sale.

For more information about the Citadel Rising Star Local Band Contest, visit www.CitadelBanking.com/RisingStar.