From Showcase to Stardom...
Some of the biggest names in entertainment got their start on the college circuit by showcasing at NACA events. The NACA® Hall of Fame was established to honor and recognize individuals or groups who have appeared on national or regional showcases and have distinguished themselves in the arts.
Here is a look at a few of our recent inductees:
2023: Step Afrika!
Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 50 countries across the globe. Step Afrika! now ranks as one of the top ten African-American dance companies in the United States.
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2022: Raining Jane
Raining Jane have been making music together and making a social impact for two decades, releasing four albums independently, collaborating extensively with Jason Mraz, touring the globe, and co-founding a music education non-profit.
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2021: Cristela Alonzo
Cristela Alonzo is a stand-up comedian that made TV history in 2014 by becoming the first Latina to create, write and star in a network TV sitcom. Cristela was also the first Latina to star in a Disney Pixar movie when she starred as Cruz Ramirez in “Cars 3.”
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2020: Deon Cole
Deon Cole is one of the most in-demand talents on the comedy scene. Not only is he currently a cast member on four hit TV shows, he has also appeared in several popular feature films, released multiple standup specials, and follows a non-stop tour schedule.
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2019: Loni Love
A real-life journey that takes a person from a latchkey kid of a loving and hardworking mother in Detroit’s Brewster-Douglass Housing Projects to a stand-up comedienne/movie star/bacon loving television personality is not something that happens easily or often, but somehow Loni Love pulled it off with her usual aplomb.
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2018: Andy Grammer
Multi-platinum selling pop artist Andy Grammer is all about inspiring and empowering the world by communicating his truths through his music. The first male pop star in a decade since John Mayer to reach the Top 10 at Adult Pop Radio on his first two singles, Grammer has taken the music world by storm with a succession of anthemic pop hits, six of which are certified gold or better.
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2017: Roy Wood, Jr.
Roy Wood Jr., a correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, was named one of Variety’s “10 Best Comics to Watch” for 2016. Wood’s comedy crosses cultural lines and has entertained millions nationwide on stage, radio and television.
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2016: RETTA
Actress and comedian Retta, NACA’s 2016 Hall of Fame Award honoree, has delighted audiences for years with her performance aptitude and comedy precision and has established herself as a consistent first pick for Hollywood.
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2015: Matt Nathanson
Based in San Francisco, Matt Nathanson has evolved into one of the premier songwriters and dynamic performers on the music scene today. His 2007 album, Some Mad Hope (his first for Vanguard), yielded the smash single “Come on Get Higher,” which has sold more than two million copies to date, as well as the subsequent hits “Car Crash,” “Falling Apart” and “All We Are.”
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2013: Zac Brown Band
The GRAMMY® Award-winning Zac Brown Band has proven that “overnight success” can be years in the making. New fans drawn by its irresistible hit singles, its awe-inspiring musicianship and dynamic live shows might have thought the Zac Brown Band emerged from nowhere. In fact, the band has paid its dues for years.
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2012: Margaret Cho
Soon after starting her stand-up career, Margaret Cho won a comedy contest in which first prize was opening for Jerry Seinfeld. She moved to Los Angeles in the early ’90s and, still in her early 20s, hit the college circuit, where she immediately became one of the most booked acts in the market.
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2011: Daniel Tosh
Daniel Tosh is currently one of the most requested headliners in the country. He has also quickly evolved into one of the most popular and successful college acts, performing at more than seven hundred campuses. Daniel’s casual style and sharp material have proven to be greatly appreciated by his audiences, young and old (but mostly young).
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All Inductees
2023 - Step Afrika!
2022 - Raining Jane
2021 - Cristela Alonzo
2020 - Deon Cole
2019 - Loni Love
2018 - Andy Grammer
2017 - Roy Wood, Jr.
2016 - RETTA
2015 - Matt Nathanson
2013 – Zac Brown Band
2012 – Margaret Cho
2011 – Daniel Tosh
2010 – Great Big Sea
2010 – Jeff Dunham
2008 – Caroline Rhea
2008 – Howie Day
2006 – Dane Cook
2005 – Dave Chappelle
2003 – Jay Leno
2002 – Jon Stewart
2000 – Jay Mohr
2000 – Anthony Clark
1999 – Michael Hedges
1999 – Vince Gill
1997 – Mary Chapin Carpenter
1994 - Maynard Ferguson
1989 – Hank Williams, Jr.
1988 – Neil Diamond
1987 – Roy Clark
1986 – B.B. King
1985 – Simon and Garfunkel
1984 – Jimmy Buffett
1983 – Linda Ronstadt
1982 – Oak Ridge Boys
1982 – Harry Chapin
1981 – Kenny Rogers
Have a Listen!
Check out our Spotify playlist featuring a few of our NACA® Hall of Fame artists.
PLEASE NOTE: Some tracks may contain profanity.
