INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Organizers of an Indianapolis music festival look to fill the last spot on the lineup Friday night.

Five local hip-hop and R&B artists will take the stage at the Indianapolis Artsgarden for Chreece Last Shot.

It’s a chance for them to show off their talent while competing to be a part of the full Chreece Hip-Hop Festival on August 24.

One of the artists, Jordan Dehart, who performs under the name “Dehart Muzix” says it’s a big honor to be included this year

“It’s just really a dope experience,” DeHart said. “It’s a pretty big platform which all artists in the nap would want … that’d be something dope to have on your resume.”

Kalesha “JINX” Thomas shares similar sentiments.

“I’m so excited,” Thomas said. “I get to meet new fans and this is a great opportunity for local artists to expand their music and their opportunities.”

For rapper Caleb Newcomb also known as, “KingCaleb TheKey”, it’s a chance to prove to others that anything is possible.

“I just wanna be that voice for other people that don’t speak for themselves as well as me,” Newcomb said. “Because I didn’t speak for myself when I was a kid. That’s what inspired me.”

The desire to inspire others is a common theme among Friday’s artists.

William “Lil Billy” Gammon says music has been his shot to turn his life around after being incarcerated.

“(Music) is my second chance,” Gammon said. “I get to just showcase my talent and represent for the underprivileged communities around Indianapolis and I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”

2023 Chreece Last Shot winner, Jet Santiago will judge this year’s competition.

The rapper says he will rate performances on criteria like stage presence and crowd control.

He adds that the competition and Chreece helped his career immensely.

“It’s increased my audience,” Santiago said. “It’s something that was like on my bucket list, something that I needed to do … You got to take advantage of the opportunities that are on your way.”

Chreece is a music festival featuring Independent music producers, DJs and R&B, Rap, and Hip-hop artists from around the city and beyond.

It returns for a second year after a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, artists will take over seven venues around the Fountain Square Neighborhood.

Indianapolis rapper and festival founder Sean “Oreo” Jones says the festival highlights a movement within the city’s culture.

“The whole ethos and the whole spirit of the festival is Indianapolis,” Jones said. “The artists are in here, hearing their stories and finding out new people — the beauty of it changes every year. It’s different sounds, different voices.”

New Orleans-born Curren$y and Atlanta group Dem Franchize Boyz are set to headline the festival.

Jay Brookinz, an organizer with Chreece says it’s a great way to find a new favorite act.

“Do some research, go check out some of the artists,” Brookinz said. “We got … local artists performing 12 hours of content, music, fun food and all that … It’s a value to it. Plus, it’s a big vibe for Indianapolis.”

Chreece Last Shot is free to attend; however, organizers ask those who want to attend to RSVP online.

The beats start tonight at 8 p.m. at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.

Visit the Chreece website to learn more.