Point Park Community Celebrates 2026 Pioneer Stars Showcase at Stage AE Tuesday, April 28, 2026
"I think this is the beauty of Point Park University: we can embrace students from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences, offering unique learning opportunities for them to really shine, whether on stage or backstage.”
At a sold-out event, the members of Pioneer Records showed Pittsburgh that Point Park University students are a cut above the rest in the entertainment industry.
The independent, student-run music label hosted its annual Pioneer Stars Showcase at Stage AE on April 7, bringing the campus community together for a night of music and celebrations. This year’s event included performances by opening act Deidre Cronin and the Pioneer Stars artists Ava Presley, Brynn Elena and Jordann Versaw.
“From industry site visits and office parties to countless artist performances on and off campus, this experience has helped me build connections and better understand what I want my future career to be,” said Cooper Slocum, a senior sports, arts, entertainment and music business (SAEM) major and president of Pioneer Records. “Getting to work with Stage AE, an AEG venue, has been especially amazing. Coordinating with industry professionals and learning what it truly takes to put on a full show has been eye-opening and skill-building. I would recommend that anyone get involved in Pioneer Records because it has truly defined my college years.”
The Pioneer Stars event is a celebration of student artists and organizers, offering both groups real-world experience in their fields. The performances at the popular Pittsburgh venue give rising musicians a taste of the limelight, a rush of confidence and a very essential stepping stone in their careers.
“The feeling of playing at your first professional venue, especially one where you’ve seen some of your favorite artists, is one you’ll never forget,” said Ava Presley, who was also this year’s music video winner. “I am so eternally grateful for all the opportunities Pioneer Records has given me. Everything I’ve done as a Pioneer Star is a step in the direction I want to be going, which is so exciting every time!”
In addition to performing on stage, the Pioneer Stars also receive boosts to their music careers, including:
- A professionally recorded song produced in collaboration with Red Caiman Media;
- A cover photoshoot;
- An opportunity to win a donated Gibson Guitar, gifted by Gibson Gives.
“Watching the artist grow, going from a bedroom demo to getting them a full band to perform with at the showcase, is so special to me,” said Nichole Bartolomeo, a SAEM major and director of talent and booking for Pioneer Records. “Being their main contact and getting the artists opportunities to showcase their art to people on and off campus is such an honor. I'm so proud of all the artists I have worked with over the years, and I cannot wait to see what they do next. I will always be a huge fan of all of them!”
Bartolomeo has been part of four Pioneer Showcase events, but this year presented unique scheduling challenges as parts of the city were shut down. Despite the planning challenges, she was proud that her senior showcase of these talented classmates went so well and continued to excite attendees.
“We had two fewer weeks to prep this year due to a moved-up show because of the NFL Draft, and of course, the semester also started a week later than normal,” Bartolomeo said. “You would not be able to tell that we had less time to put the show together from the execution of the event. We had a packed house all night, a fully decorated VIP space and a show that stayed on time the whole night. The performers this year were all so different and all outstanding. I could not have asked for a better last showcase to be a part of before graduation.”
A part of what makes the Pioneer Stars Showcase so special to the campus community is the synergy required from multiple disciplines across campus. While not every student had an instrument in hand, the event would not have been possible without the diverse talents of Point Park’s student community.
“It's rare that you go to an institution where students can have an opportunity on both sides of a performance,” said Shari Payne, Ed.D., provost. “Our students are not just the people who are out there on stage performing, but they are also the ones who manage the event, organizing the logistics behind getting the artists’ recording complete. I think this is the beauty of Point Park University: we can embrace students from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences, offering unique learning opportunities for them to really shine, whether on stage or backstage.”
While the curtains are drawn for now, the next wave of students is already cooking up the next show in their studio and on the hunt for the next wave of Pioneer Stars. As the tradition continues, members of the Point Park community are keeping their ears open for the next big hits.
"It's always great to see the Pioneer Records performers and staff come together to put on their showcase at Stage AE each year," said Ed Traversari, MBA, the faculty advisor to Pioneer Records. "This year’s event serves as an anniversary, marking 12 years since we started the student-run label. We look forward to many more Pioneer Stars!"
More About: Rowland School of Business, Stage AE, sports, arts, entertainment and music business, Pioneer Records