Following an incredible and inspiring set of three songs performed by the panel of judges, which included Howard Hewitt, George Duke, Bunny Brunel, Ruslan Sirota, Larry Dunn, Greg Phillinganes, Doug Webb and Jimmy Paxson Jr., each scholarship finalist took the stage to perform two songs of their choice. The finalists (all high school seniors) showed tremendous talent and passion playing a range of styles from Classic Rock to Funk, Pop, Hip-hop, Heavy Rock and more, each performer consistently impressing the audience and judges alike.

When the final votes were tallied, the top two scholarship prizes ($12,000 Musicians Institute AA Degree Program tuition and cash) were awarded to guitarist Jon Williams, a student at Vista Murrieta High, and drummer Zech Hogan of Grace Brethren Sr. High School.

Runners-up Ashley McCabe, Stanley Jeong and Kenny Strickland each received one week MI Summer Shot program scholarships.

After the scholarships were awarded, the entire group of professionals and finalist musicians joined in for a final jam to successfully close out the tenth year of this celebration of music and education. Below are moments captured from the evening, courtesy of The Musicians Institute.

Stanley talks about the scholarship Stanley talks about the importance of artists in society Beth Marlis, VP at MI/Director of The Musicians Foundation Stanley and vocalist Howard Hewitt Taylor Dayne and saxophonist Doug Webb Bassist Bunny Brunel & Stanley Rapper Universal & Stanley Stanley introduces special guests judges Guest judges await the finalists Finalist: Guitarist Ashley McCabe of Oaks Christian School Finalist: Drummer Zech Hogan of Grace Brethren Sr. High School Finalist: Bassist Kenny Strickland of Mission View Public School Finalist Drummer: Stanley Jeong of Taft High School Finalist: Guitarist Jon Williams of Vista Murrieta High School Taylor Dayne, Stanley and Finalist Ashley McCabe Finalist Stanley Jeong and Stanley Stanley and finalist Kenny Strickland Finalist Zech Hogan, Stanley and Beth Marlis of MI Finalist Jon Willams, Stanley and Beth Marlis of MI Stanley, Friends and Finalists Join in a Finale Jam Session Rapper Percee P., Finalist Jon Williams and Saxophonist Doug Webb Drummer Chris Coleman Beth Marlis of MI and Actress Marisol Nichols of "24" Final Bow

Photos: courtesy of Musicians Institute. © 2011 All Rights Reserved.

On Saturday, January 8 from 8-10pm, MI and the Musicians Foundation present the final round of the 2011 Stanley Clarke Scholarship Competition in the MI Concert Hall.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature performances by renowned bassist and composer Clarke plus an all-star band featuring additional bassists Verdine White and Bunny Brunel; keyboardists George Duke, Greg Phillinganes, Larry Dunn, and Ruslan Sirot; drummers Jimmy Paxson Jr. and Ronald Bruner Jr.; and vocalists Howard Hewett, Luisa Dunn, and Percee P. (specific performers subject to change).

Following the concert, five talented Los Angeles-area high school seniors who qualified for the final round of competition will take the stage to perform two songs apiece. Performances will be judged on the basis of musical talent, performing ability, stage presence, musicianship and charisma. Clarke and the other celebrity judges will choose two winners, each to receive a cash prize of $6,000 plus a $6,000 matching scholarship from MI.  Awards for the three runners-up will be free six-day MI Summer Shot sessions in June 2011, applicable to any program.

No reservations are required for this event. For additional information and photos, click here or email Musicians Foundation Director Beth Marlis.