Calling all local musicians — the Central Music Festival Society is holding a talent contest.
The prize is a paid half-hour Mainstage set at this summer’s fourth annual Central Music Festival.
Both acoustic, individual performers and electric/band acts can compete for a chance to play at the outdoor event, to be held on Aug. 13 and 14 at a natural amphitheater north of Red Deer.
Festival organizers are seeking original material that can be performed live on stage. Any style of music goes, but submissions must be made by April 25 on a CD containing a minimum of two songs.
The contest is open to performers of any age, but those younger than 18 require parental consent (and bands must have no more than six members). Contestants must live in Central Alberta, which is defined as between Wetaskiwin and Drumheller (including the two cities) and the B.C. and Saskatchewan borders.
An independent panel will judge all the submitted CDs and select six acts for each of the live semifinals. The acoustic semifinal will be held on May 6 and the electric/band semifinal on May 7 at The Hub on Ross Street in downtown Red Deer.
Three finalists from each category will then compete for the grand prize on May 15 at the Elks Lodge. (There are no losers, as all finalists and semifinalists will receive a VIP weekend passes to the 2010 Central Music Festival.)
Applicants must include their name, address, phone number and email address with their CD, as well as a non-refundable $10 fee. The festival will not return any submitted materials.
Submissions should be mailed to CMFS Talent Contest, Box 21117 Bower Place, Red Deer, AB, T4R 2M1, or dropped off at Valhalla Pure Outfitters, 2319 Taylor Dr., Red Deer.
For more information, visit www.centralmusicfest.com