Since so many of you have called or emailed....
 
Unfortunately, our regular internet account has been disrupted for about a week (I'm sending this email from my school computer....shhhh! don't tell my Principal!).  But I've received a lot of phone and emails from folks wanting the Guidelines for submitting promos to us, in order to be considered for our 2009 events.  I've copied the guidelines below for you.  Hang on to them this time! (this is the 3rd time I've sent them out!).  If I can get my internet account fixed, I'll post them back up on the website, but it's going to take a few days. 
 
We look forward to getting your promos!  We have lots of slots to fill!     
thanks,
cindy
Open Call for Bands!
The Nevada Bluegrass Project's 2009 Events 
 
We seek energetic, professional level performers in:
Traditional Bluegrass
Modern Bluegrass
Americana
Old Time
Folk
 
***********
            Photo:David Guntner  
Our events include:
 
"An Americana Celebration"  Sat., July 4, 2009
and 
"Bluegrass on the Comstock" Fri-Sun., July 10-12, 2009  
and 
"Nevada Bluegrass Project Challenge"Sat. July 11, 2009, 1-4pm          (as part of the Comstock Festival) 
                                                       

New in 2009!
 
In addition to the regular performer slots for the two events shown above, we will also be hosting the "Nevada Bluegrass Project Challenge" during the Comstock event.   It is the intention of this event to preserve a tradition that has been highly influential in the development of bluegrass music: the fiddlin' contest.  Contests such as "Fiddler's Grove" (Union Grove, NC), "The National Old Time Fiddler's Contest" (Wieser, ID.) and the "Kentucky State Championship" trace their roots back to the 1800s.  As the genre of bluegrass music evolved (1940's), fiddler's contests expanded to become band contests.  Many states today continue to host bluegrass championships that help regional bands gain exposure and recognition outside of their region. 
 
A cash prize of $1,000 will be awarded to the first place band.  Other prizes will also be awarded and the event will be filmed, with the video distributed to festival promoters and event producers throughout the West.  Even in this modern world of television and internet, bluegrass music lacks the "mass market" exposure that other genres receive.  Bluegrass contests continue to be an important means of helping musicians bring their music to wider and wider audiences.  
 
All contest band members will receive complimentary festival passes and there will be a special reception on Saturday afternoon for all contestants. 

There is no entry fee for this event, but entrants must follow the "Promo Submission Requirements" (below).   Four bands will be selected to compete.  Selection will be competitive, based on the qualities of the promos submitted.  The selection committee will be comprised of independent community members who may not be affiliated with any of the entering bands.  
 
During the competition, each band will play a 20 minute set, and a panel of judges selected from audience members will score the bands using a scoring sheet that rates various qualities of the performances (bands will be provided a copy of the scoring sheet in advance).  Immediately following the performances, prizes will be awarded.  
         
*          *          *          *          * 
 
To be considered for any of The Nevada Bluegrass Project's 2009 events, please follow these 
 
Promo Submission Requirements
1.  Deadline for submissions is Dec. 1, 2008. 
2.  Only "hard copies" will be accepted for consideration (no EPKs)
3.  Submit, via US mail, 3 copies of each of the following:
      ~ CD (either professional or homemade) that includes at least 2 MP3s
      ~ Photograph of the band in performance attire (live shot from a show is preferred)*
*Personnel shown in promo photos and who perform on promo CDs  MUST be the performers who appear at the event, if you are offered a contract.   Any exceptions to this, without prior notice, will void the contract. 
      ~ Diagram of performance stage requirements
      ~ List of previous year's appearances
      ~ Full contact information, including any website addresses (MySpace, YouTube, etc.)
 
Additional Information 
  • You may submit for any/all events simultaneously, however you will not be considered for an event at which you appeared in 2008.  
  • If you submitted a promo to us in any prior year, please re-submit for the 2009 season.
  • Band selections will be made by an independent committee of community volunteers.
  • Announcements of our 2009 lineup will be made on or before Feb. 6, 2009.
  • The Nevada Bluegrass Project is a 501c3 arts and education organization.  We are funded in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the State of Nevada and the City of Reno.  Fees offered to artists are contingent upon grant awards, but we anticipate being able to offer all performers fees in the $500 to $1000 per band range, depending on the number of band members, the distance they travel to get here, etc.  Thanks also to charitable contributions from individuals and corporations in our community, we are able to bring a national level performing artist to each of our events (selection of national level artist will take place separately).  

Thank you, and we hope to receive your submission soon!

The Nevada Bluegrass Project
850 Atlas Ct.
Reno, NV.  89512
775-348-4692

The Nevada Bluegrass Project is funded in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Nevada Arts Council, the City of Reno Arts and Culture Commission and charitable contributions from our supporters.  Thanks to ALL of YOU!

                                                            
 
                                                          
 
All contributions are tax deductible.  Please consider donating $25 today!  You will receive a letter of acknowlegment for tax purposes.  Thank you! 
Make a Donation 
Join Our Mailing List!