APRIL 9, 2009 ISSUE
Bands Announced For Second Annual HayesGrass Competition
2008 HayesGrass runners-up Diana & Sarvis Ridge will kick off HayesGrass II during quarterfinal action on Monday, April 13. The playoff-style band competition will again take place at the Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock.They applied, the judges listened and now eight High Country bands and musicians have been selected to participate in HayesGrass II, a playoff-style contest taking place from Monday, April 13, to Friday, May 15. The winning act will perform in the opening slot for renowned bluegrass outfit the Lonesome River Band 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 at the Hayes Center this year.
Bands slated to appear in this year’s competition include Diana & Sarvis Ridge, CreekSide Grass, John T. Woodall Band, Jacob & Isaac Moore, Roland Jones Orchestra, High Grass, The Neighbors and one more band to be announced within the next two weeks.
The Surefire Bluegrass Band won last year’s inaugural HayesGrass competition.
Bands representing the surrounding High Country area were asked to apply for consideration in the contest by submitting a CD, tape or electronic file of their music, a brief history or biography of the band, a list of past appearances and a schedule of upcoming performances.
This year’s competition will begin with four nights of quarterfinal action at the Hayes Center on Monday and Tuesday, April 13 and 14, and 20 and 21. Each show will consist of two bands performing a 40-minute set. Winners of these evenings will move on to the semifinal round, slated for Monday and Tuesday, May 4 and 5. The final two bands will compete for the grand prize on Friday, May 15.
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 support.
Tickets for the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds are $10; final round tickets are $15. Purchase tickets by calling the box office at 828-295-9627 or online by clicking to www.hayescenter.org.
Want To Go?
Date: Monday and Tuesday, April 13 and 14, April 20 and 21
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Hayes Performing Arts Center, Blowing Rock
Cost: $10
Bands Battling in HayesGrass II
The stage is set for the quarterfinal round of HayesGrass II at the Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock. Last year’s runners-up Diana & Sarvis Ridge will kick off the picking and singing on Monday, April 13, against local outfit CreekSide Grass. The eighth band has yet to be chosen by competition organizers, but will be announced next week.
Monday, April 13: Diana & Sarvis Ridge vs. CreekSide Grass
Tuesday, April 14: John T. Woodall Band vs. Jacob & Isaac Moore
Monday, April 20: Roland Jones Orchestra vs. High Grass
Tuesday, April 21: The Neighbors vs. Undecided (TBA)
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