Contest will begin on 4/1/2009.  All entries must be received by May 31st, 2009.  Up to three semi finalists will be chosen from the following categories:
Pop/Rock
Country
Jazz/Blues/R&B
Solo/Duo

Semi-finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges and the voting public.  Semi-finalists will play on July 3rd and 4th.  Finalists will play Aug. 6-8th as part of the Andersons 26th Annual Rib Off.  The selected groups will be notified by telephone or email.

Incomplete entries will be disqualified.  Entry must be accompanied by a digital band photo, uploaded to The Blade’s Battle of the Bands website, and at least one audio file.

Each band that plays live during July 3rd and 4th in Promenade Park will be given the same amount of time to play.  That time will be determined prior to performance based upon the amount of bands performing and the time available.

A stage crew will be on hand to assist each band in setting up and sound check.  It is the band’s responsibility to set gear and be ready to perform.

Stage management has final say on all activities on stage.  Any band going over the allotted time, or disregarding event management’s direction about anything, including safety and time, may be disqualified or powered off.

A panel of judges along with live and online voting will select the overall winners.

If your group is chosen to compete in the Battle of the Bands, you must be available to perform on July 3rd or 4th and August 6-8th.  Time requests will be considered, but no time slots are guaranteed, and if you enter, you need to be available at any time.

Entries must be completed in English, but the bands may perform their song in any language.

The Blade and event sponsors are not responsible for any damage or theft of your musical equipment during live performances.

This event is open to the public both live and online. Any behavior deemed inappropriate by the contest chair will be cause for immediate disqualification and removal from the contest.  The rulings of the contest chair are final.

You must be at least 18 years of age or have parental consent to participate in The Blade’s Battle of the Bands.

Progression to the semi-final and final rounds is based on public and judges input.  Judges decision is final.

All materials uploaded to The Blade’s Battle of the Bands site can be used by The Blade to promote its products and services.