An Evening with Pioneer Records Community Features

An Evening with Pioneer Records brings the next generation of music industry talent to the stage. Presented by Point Park University's student-led record label, this special concert offers a behind-the-scenes listen to the future of the music business as student artists and collaborators share fresh work, and experiences shaping their careers.

Featured Performers

ALLISSA
ALLISSA is an independent rock artist from Pittsburgh. Her strong vocals paired with haunting melodies and vulnerably dark lyrics work together to expose a story of a painful past and reveal a message of hope to come. Influenced by bands like Flyleaf, Evanescence and Paramore, ALLISSA’s rock anthems are dramatic, edgy and authentic.

ALLISSA’s music and live-show experience has earned her opportunities to play at Alive Music Festival, Creation Fest NE’s Main Stage, the Hard Rock Cafe, Stage AE, Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, The Crafthouse, Picklesburgh and Mr. Smalls Theatre. ALLISSA also had the opportunity to open for Colton Dixon and performed at the Carnegie Music Hall of Homestead, featuring Brian Head Welch of Korn. Most recently, ALLISSA has opened for Liliac from America’s Got Talent, Dove Award winner Stephen Stanley, and Stryper.

Ava Presley
Ava Presley is a singer-songwriter from Butler, Pennsylvania, and a junior at Point Park University. She has been writing music as long as she can remember and is thrilled that it now gets to be such a big part of her life. Ava primarily writes country/folk pop music, and her lyrics are her favorite thing about her music. She prides herself on writing stories and metaphors inspired by intimate parts of her life. As a 2025-2026 Pioneer Star, she has had amazing opportunities to perform at venues and during events such as The Club at Stage AE, the 2026 NFL Draft, and others. She is thrilled to have another chance to perform in Pittsburgh, especially at her college performance venue!

Alexis Zak
Hailing from Pittsburgh, Alexis Zak is an artist with a musical background steeped in days gone by. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, her songs put an emphasis on storytelling backed by a blend of Americana, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Willard Hurley
Willard Hurley is a Maryland-born singer, actor, and songwriter. Known for his raw lyrics and stripped back production — drawing comparisons to Lizzy McAlpine and Conan Gray — Willard records his songs with his two best friends, Eden Thompson and Asher Wiggins.

Leandro
Leandro is an eclectic singer-songwriter, featured at Stage AE in 2024 and seen at Picklesburgh 2025. His current project and first concept album, ANTHONY, explores themes of grief and the passing of time. His past projects can be reached through his website; look out for secret double life.