Pioneer Star Showcase Displays On-Stage and Behind-the-Scenes Talent Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Pioneer Records, Point Park University's on-campus record label run by students, hosted a concert at the Club at Stage AE featuring three student musicians. The Pioneer Star Showcase is held annually to highlight the musical talent of students who have been selected by Pioneer Records staff to have their music recorded at Red Caiman Studios.   

This year's talent included students from the School of Theatre, Film and Animation and Rowland School of Business. 

Marshall Benton, a sophomore musical theatre major, is a singer/songwriter. A music video for his song "Anymore," created by the members of a Music Video class in Point Park's Cinema Arts degree, debuted at the showcase.

Lotus Headen, a freshman sports, arts, entertainment and music business major, makes pop music. Listen to her song "Bone and All."

Alexis Zak, a sophomore sports, arts, entertainment and music business major, is a singer/songwriter. She was selected by Pioneer Records staff to receive a Gibson Guitar at the Showcase. Listen to her song "Ghost on the Avenue."

The showcase wouldn't have been possible without the behind-the-scenes efforts of the students who run Pioneer Records, which was created by the Sports, Arts, Entertainment and Music Business program at the Rowland School of Business. The event gives students on both sides of the stage invaluable experience. 

In the Q&A below, hear from both the performers and the Pioneer Records board of directors about how the experience has contributed to their career-readiness.

Lydia Zarefoss '26, director of operations

Major: Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management with a minor in Marketing
Hometown: Hershey, Pa.
High School: Hershey High School

Describe some of the duties you were tasked with this year.

As Director of Operations, I was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of Pioneer Records, managing internal communications, coordinating meetings, and ensuring all departments stayed aligned with their goals. I also played a key role in scheduling and leading the planning and execution of major events, such as the Pioneer Star Showcase. Additionally, I supported our student artists through logistical planning, promotional initiatives, and collaborative project management, including the music video for Marshall Benton that was produced in partnership with Point Park’s Department of Film and Animation.

How has your involvement with Pioneer Records enhanced your college experience?

Being a part of Pioneer Records has significantly enhanced my college experience. It’s given me hands-on experience in the music industry and allowed me to grow as a leader. I’ve developed practical skills in event planning, team management, and communication that I wouldn’t have learned in the classroom alone. Most importantly, it has helped me build lasting relationships with creative, driven individuals who share my passion for music and entertainment. 

What were your key takeaways from this year’s Pioneer Star Showcase?

One of my biggest takeaways was the importance of flexibility and communication. No matter how well we planned, unexpected challenges came up, and being able to adapt quickly as a team was crucial. I learned just how much detailed preparation matters. Having backup plans, organized timelines, and open communication helped us stay calm and confident when it counted. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the talent and dedication of our student artists. Seeing everything come together in a professional venue was incredibly rewarding, and it reminded me why we do what we do.  

Why would you recommend getting involved with Pioneer Records?

I would highly recommend getting involved with Pioneer Records to anyone interested in music, business or event production. It’s a rare opportunity to gain real-world experience in a supportive, collaborative environment. You’ll not only build your resume but also grow personally and professionally by contributing to meaningful projects and seeing your work come to life.

Anything else you would like to add?

I’m proud of everything our team has accomplished this year, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a unique and impactful organization. Pioneer Records is more than just a student-run label, it’s a community that fosters creativity, leadership and growth. What made this year even more special was the dedication of our team. Everyone showed up, gave their all, and supported one another, even while juggling classes, jobs, internships and other commitments. Being surrounded by such hard-working, passionate people reminded me of the power of teamwork and just how much we can achieve when we believe in what we are building together.

Nichole Bartolomeo '26, director of talent and booking

Major: Sports Communication (Minor in SAEM)
Hometown: Ellwood City, Pa. 
High School: Commonwealth Charter Academy 

Describe some of the duties you were tasked with this year. 

As the Director of Talent and Booking, my job for the showcase is to be the main communication between the artists and Stage AE to ensure a smooth show. I collect the instrument/equipment lists from the artists, as well as their setlists and stage plots, and give that information to our contact at Stage AE. I also create the run of show and make sure that the artists are on time on the stage on show day. The last thing I do every year is select the winner of the Gibson Guitar. Since I am in charge of the talent, I get to know the artists very well, and it is so much fun to choose who gets such a beautiful guitar as a gift for their hard work and talent. 

How has your involvement with Pioneer Records enhanced your college experience? 

Pioneer Records has done more for me these last three years than I could ever describe. It has provided me experience in communication, networking, events and live music that will be so beneficial in my future. Getting to work on the 4-person team it takes to run this label every year is such an honor, and the teamwork and sense of community are so strong and continuously produce better results every single year. I also got to go to the IEBA conference in Nashville last year due to my involvement in Pioneer Records, and that was an opportunity I will remember for the rest of my life. 

Why would you recommend getting involved with Pioneer Records? 

If you love music — like I do — I cannot think of a better thing to get involved in at Point Park. We have a lot of fun, and we get to do so many fun things like our Live Music Night sessions in Point Perk or our huge Karaoke Nights at the beginning of each semester that have almost become a rite of passage. Then, of course, this show that ends the year with a bang. Getting to watch the artists go from playing their original songs for the first time in Village Park in October to rocking the club stage at Stage AE in front of family, friends and faculty, is such a joy to experience. 

 

Alexis Zak '27, Pioneer Star

Major: Sports, Arts, Entertainment and Music Business
Hometown: West Mifflin, Pa.
High School: West Mifflin Area High School

What was your experience as a Pioneer Star?

I had a really great experience with Pioneer Records throughout the whole Pioneer Star process. I felt as though the label helped me put myself out there in ways that I wouldn't have been able to accomplish on my own.

How has your involvement with Pioneer Records enhanced your college experience?

I've been a member of Pioneer Records since my first year with volunteer activities. With experiences on both ends of the label, I've gained more knowledge in the music industry, which has worked with my major.

What were your key takeaways from this year’s Pioneer Star Showcase?

For the Pioneer Star Showcase this year, I was really excited to be able to play at Stage AE, especially so early in my career as a musician. I was also excited to have an excellent band behind me, which was able to be pulled together by the Pioneer Records team. I feel as though this experience solidified my confidence as a musician and has given me a great jumping off point to continue down this path.

 

Marshall Benton '27, Pioneer Star 

Major: Musical Theater
Hometown: Savannah, Ga.
High School: Savannah Arts Academy

What was your experience as a Pioneer Star?

It was really cool to be involved in something I had never seen before. Getting to experience the studio recording process at a professional level was a dream come true. I also got to make my own music video with the help of the cinema department at Point Park. Seeing the interpretation of music into film was a cool process to be a part of, and getting to work with talented people was a dream.

How has your involvement with Pioneer Records enhanced your college experience?

I think it’s opening doors for me creatively to be able to know that there are other avenues in my artistic life. I like getting my hands in as much art as possible, and so having a platform to do that enriched my educational experience.

What were your key takeaways from this year’s Pioneer Star Showcase?

People are there to hear your music, and all you have to do is be upfront and honest with your art.

 

 

Watch the student-produced video for "Anymore" by Marshall Benton:

More About: musical theatre, Pioneer Records, sports, arts, entertainment and music business, Rowland School of Business