Event entertainment booking service GigMasters.com today revealed its fifth annual ‘Rising Star Award’ winners for 2011. The award recognizes the nation's top-earning entertainers in over 125 performer and vendor categories. Six new event-based award categories were added this year to recognize the performers who booked the most weddings, children’s parties and corporate events in 2011.

The Nick Carver Band won two Rising Star Awards: Top Cover Band and Top Wedding Band. The band, which is based in Murfreesboro, Tenn., is led by singer Nick Carver and includes Tony Hartman, Al Janelle, Taylor Lonardo, and Michael Sharp.  

A native of Covington, Tenn., Carver is a 2007 graduate of MTSU’s Recording Industry Management program. He worked at the Country Music Association from 2008-2010, and at Webster and Associates PR from 2007-2008.

“We are honored to receive these two Rising Star Awards from GigMasters,” said Carver. “To be recognized as their top-earning entertainer in two categories is very humbling, especially when you consider they book thousands of acts.”

The Nick Carver Band has performed at clubs, events, and private parties all over the Southeastern United States. They also fulfilled a longtime goal in 2011 when they made their debut at the legendary CMA Music Festival in Nashville with a performance in the Power Zone  

“The Rising Star Award is GigMasters’ highest honor and our way of recognizing our finest party entertainers,” said GigMasters’ VP of Marketing, Marissa Latshaw. “It’s a real point of pride among our members and a testament to their hard work, talent, and professionalism.”