Central Alberta musicians can win the chance to perform at an outdoor festival this summer — and get paid for it.
The Central Music Festival Society is holding a talent contest.
Any musician living between Wetaskiwin and Drumheller and the Saskatchewan and British Columbia borders can enter by sending in a compact disc containing at least two performances.
The grand-prize winner will get the chance to perform a paid half-hour set on the mainstage of the Central Music Festival, which takes place in a natural amphitheater near Red Deer on Aug. 14 and 15.
All submissions will be judged by an independent panel of experienced music jurors, who are looking for original material and high-calibre performances.
Twelve semifinalists will be chosen to perform at The Hub in downtown Red Deer on May 22, and six finalists will compete for the grand prize on May 29 at the Elks Lodge.
All finalists and semifinalists will receive VIP weekend passes to the 2009 Central Music Festival.
Contestants can be any age (those under 18 require parental consent), and performances can be in any musical genre and configuration, from soloists to groups of up to six members.
Applicants must include their names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses, along with their CD, as well as a non-refundable $10 admission fee (cash or cheque).
The society will not return any materials submitted for the contest. Submissions can be mailed to: CMFS Talent Contest, Box 21117 Bower Place, Red Deer, T4R 2M1, or dropped off at Valhalla Pure Outfitters, 2319 Taylor Drive, Red Deer. For more information, call 403-343-3658.