The Manx Sound Exchange: Battle of the bands
Battle of the Bands Originals winners Seven Year Black Hole. Picture - Martin Critchley
CONFIRMATION is through that Amber in Douglas is planning to resurrect their Battle of the Bands competition for 2012.
The future looked a little uncertain after a shift in staffing personnel earlier this year meant the venue dropped off Douglas’ live music map.
But regular gigs have now resumed and general manager Shri Naik has announced the format for the upcoming competition.
The last few competitions have been big successes, with the bar suitably rammed every night to see a consistently high calibre of entrant, making the Amber event a really important injection of fresh energy into the scene as we wave goodbye to summer and brace ourselves for winter.
As last year, the competition will be split into two categories: covers and acoustics/originals.
The winners of each category will win £500, the runner-up £200 and third place £50, though there is nothing to stop musicians trying their luck in both categories.
‘We will run the heats as last year on Fridays and Saturdays, probably starting on November 2,’ explained Shri.
‘We will need at least 18 bands to participate in the heats.’
The semi-finals should take place in the third or fourth weekend of November with the finals taking place the following weekend.
There are prizes up for grabs every night, as the winner of each heat and semi-final will receive £100, the runner-up £50 and third place will get a case of beer.
Judges will mark acts on musicianship, vocals, stage presence, preparation and crowd reaction, and will also take into account crowd votes, made via Facebook during a 15-minute window after the last act has finished each night.
This year, the bar will also offer a Happy Hour between 7pm and 8pm to entice people in for the earlier acts and a resident DJ will be playing between sets.
The deadline to enter is October 15. Late entries may still be considered but those acts will have to fit into any gaps left in the schedule.
The bar is for over 18s only, but musicians can be younger.
To get involved call Shri on 464827 or email shri(at)sleepwellhotels.com.
•Lee Brooks’ ramblings on the rumblings of the island’s music scene. Help support the scene by emailing lee.brooks(at)newsiom.co.im or calling 695674 with Manx music news, reviews and photos.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Saturday 25 May 2013
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