As the lights dimmed the first contestant, Justin Soileau, failed to capture the audience's attention. As a young man before a tough audience, one might wonder what a little fish was doing in a pond of local veteran performers. Perhaps nerves drenched the thoughts of young Soileau, but nothing could stop Micah Brown from stealing his thunder with a persuasive sense of self and a beard that even ZZ Top would applaud.

Unable to contain their excitement, fans of Brown often cheered louder than the performance itself. As Brown finished his set, the vibe in the room was elevated with musical orgasms when half of the crowd sang the lyrics, "I'm going fishin', won't be missin' any of your bitchin'" and clapped along with Brown as he ripped through the strings on his guitar like a beast.

"Micah has an extremely powerful voice and sends a strong message," said Kelly Baker, an audience member. "His lyrics are so whimsical and his voice is like none other in our county."

However, with an even more unique approach to live music, was the ever-powerful singer Parker Macy Blues and his band composed of a drummer and a bass player. Macy's raw, scratchy voice grew deeper as the night carried on; his distinguished blonde locks and demeanor proved Macy to be a somewhat acquired taste to some audience members.

However, despite some negative feedback, Macy captured the audience and tickled the crowd's humor with the raw dislike of his ex-girlfriend when he sang "…(she) had no soul." While Macy might be in a niche market, so are artists like Bob Dylan. Bottom line: Not everyone is going to like all the musicians who perform in the OCMAs.

"Parker Macy is a throwback and captivates the soul of all music lovers," said Brittany Bontempo in defense, who is a longtime fan and friend of Macy.

Immediately following Macy was go-to restaurant performer and wedding singer-extraordinaire Danny Maika. As a man who has been involved in the local music scene for a very long time, this year is the first time Maika has performed in an OCMA showcase.

"The whole experience is surreal… it's such an honor to be recognized and put on the same level as such great musicians," said Maika. "… makes me reflect on all the small gigs that I played that no one showed up to."

Maika, who has been battling a cold for the past month, hasn't had a chance to recover between his many shows. As a full-time musician, Maika is one of the few honest, humble and sincere singer-songwriters in Orange County, and his demeanor alone wins over audience members every time he plays.

"I have a motto for tonight," Maika said. "I have nothing to prove, nothing to lose and only good things to gain."

As the night came to an end, the crowd favorites were clear–Micah Brown and Danny Maika. However, at all OCMA showcases no winners are announced until the votes from well-chosen judges from various publications and music companies are counted. As fans marched out the doors and the lights turned back on at the Gypsy Den, the room suddenly felt back to normal. Such a performance of great artists won't be back to the Gypsy Den for another year.