March 12, 2009 Issue
Calling All Bluegrass and Folk Bands!
Hayes Performing Arts Center Seeks Bands for 2009 HayesGrass II Competition
Watauga-based outfit the Surefire Bluegrass Band took top honors in last year’s inaugural HayesGrass Competition. The Hayes Center is now accepting applications for this year’s competition. The deadline is Friday, March 27, at 5:00 p.m.
Attention local bluegrass and folk musicians! It’s once again time to tune up the banjos and guitars and display those grassroots vocal stylings at HayesGrass II for the chance to perform as the opening act for the Lonesome River Band. Eight area bands and musicians based in Ashe, Avery, Caldwell and Watauga counties will be selected to participate in HayesGrass II, a playoff-style contest held April 13 to May 15. The grand prize winner will perform as the opening act for the Lonesome River Band, when the popular bluegrass outfit plays the Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock on Saturday, May 16. The prize package also includes a percentage of the ticket sales each night the band advances and a future concert booking this year. Last year’s winner was Surefire Bluegrass Band.
Bands will be asked to apply for consideration in the contest by submitting a CD, tape or electronic file of their music, brief history/biography of the band, list of past appearances and schedule of upcoming performances. The deadline for HayesGrass II applications is Friday, March 27 at 5:00 p.m. Materials can be submitted by mail to the Hayes Center, PO Box 1009, Blowing Rock, NC 28605; by email to info@hayescenter.org; or in person at the Hayes Center, 152 Jamie Fort Road, Blowing Rock.
The eight groups will be selected and announced on Thursday, April 2, 2009. With the exception of the winning band, last year’s participants are encouraged to apply.
The quarterfinal round of HayesGrass II will take place over four evenings consisting of two bands performing a 40-minute set each night. Winners will move on to the semifinal round. The final two bands will compete for the grand prize. A change in this year’s contest is the addition of two surprise guest judges each night. Audience members will be the third component in deciding which band advances. Bands are encouraged to bring as many fans as they can for crowd support.
The HayesGrass II quarterfinal round will take place April 13, 14, 20 and 21, followed by the semifinal round on May 5 and 6 and the final round on May 15. The winning band will open for the Lonesome River Band on Saturday, May 16.
Tickets for the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds are $10 and final round tickets are $15. Purchase tickets by calling the box office at 828-295-9627 or click to www.hayescenter.org.
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