SACRAMENTO, Calif. — NPR recently named singer and multi-instrumentalist The Philharmonik of Sacramento the winner of its 2024 Tiny Desk Contest.
The Philharmonik (also known by his real name Christian Gates) was chosen out of nearly 7,000 entries from across the country for NPR's 10th anniversary of the Tiny Desk Contest.
"My reaction to winning the contest was this feeling of elation from the realization that hard work does indeed pay off - I’m eternally grateful - and still processing how huge this is," he told ABC10. "My next move is to make sure we’re ready for our big show behind NPR’s Tiny Desk and get prepared to have a fun tour with NPR."
He says growing up in Sacramento had an incredible influence on his music.
"Sacramento is essential to the musician I am today," he said. "What I enjoy most about Sacramento is our collective creativity and our community that is eager to come together to create a vibrant culture."
NPR reports it's the second time participating in the Tiny Desk Contest after a previous entry in 2019.
The Philharmonik will now record a Tiny Desk at NPR's headquarters before hitting the road on a 10-date 'Tiny Desk Contest on the Road' Tour.
The only show in Northern California is June 13 in Petaluma at the Lagunitas Brewing Company. Tickets are available for $18 HERE.
