Podunk Bluegrass: Band Competition
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2010 Band Competition

Check out the 2009 competition winner The Packaway Handle Band!

Meet our 2010 bands!

Submission for this year's competition has closed.  We are very excited to announce the bands that will  be competing for this year's top prize and a spot at the 20010 Podunk Festival.

Crunchy Western Boys
New Hampshire   
Nitpickers
Maine
Chasing Blue
Boston, MA
The Crossfire Bluegrass Band
Rhode Island
Katie Wilson and the Two Time String Band
Connecticut

Grand Prize

In addition to prize money, the Champion band will receive either:
a) 2 days of studio time at More Sound ($800 value). Stay for free at the furnished studio apartment and Jocko will help you produce a work of art.
or
b) mixing/mastering service on a full length album - I.E. mail home recorded tracks and More Sound will mix it (appx. $1,000 value). Great for those folks who have a small recording setup at home but want to really take the final product to the next level.
  Provided by  "More Sound" in Syracuse, NY

Prize Money:

  • 1st place $750 plus a slot at 2011 Podunk
  • 2nd place $500
  • 3rd place $400
  • 4th place $300
  • 5th place $200

Fan Favorite

Audience members will vote for their favorite band. Votes will be sold for $1.00 a piece and the audience will place tickets in the bucket of the band of their choice.  Top 3 place winners will be awarded trophies.  Audience members will be able to cast votes up to 20 minutes after the last band has played.  After that boxes will be removed and numbers will be tallied.  The band that has the most tickets in their bucket will be declared the winning band.  Proceeds from the buckets will go towards the Podunk Kids' Academy. Band members are expected to be present for the presentation.

Judging

Judging We will have qualified panel of judges.  It is our plan to have the bands meet with judges afterwards to be given feedback to their performance.

Judging will be based on the following categories:

  1. Content - Appearance, Use of time, appropriate material.
  2. Originality - Original material or interpretation of others works.
  3. Musical Ability - Vocal/instrumental ability, tone, intonation and difficulty.
  4. Stage Presence - Group communication, fluidity, audience appeal and entertainment value.
  5. Overall Impression

Rules & Regulations

  1. Each band will be allowed up to 30 minutes total for set-up, performance and tear down.  For example: 5 minutes set-up, 20 minutes performance and 5 minutes tear down.  Set-up and tear down time will overlap with the bands preceding and following your own for less down time.
  2. Each band will be responsible for keeping track of their own time.  Judges will also be keeping track for their own records.  Points will be deducted for playing over the time limit.
  3. Any band member who appears to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other controlled substance will result in band disqualifications.
  4. Recommended time limit: 3-5 minutes per song.
  5. Bands need to adhere to the bluegrass theme and style of music.  3 band selections must be the following types: 1. A slow vocal song, 2. An instrumental song, 3. A fast vocal song. Tempos are relative.
  6. There will be no electrical amplification of instruments except bass allowed. 
  7. One optional microphone for bass will be provided.
  8. Up to five vocal microphones will be provided.
  9. All acoustical instruments must be used.
  10. After you have been notified of your acceptance, Podunk must be notified in advance of any personnel changes. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.
  11. No drum sets or standing percussion allowed.
  12. Bands entering the contest may have no common members.
  13. Bands may consist of 3-6 members. The music should be "Bluegrass" or "Old Time" we will consider bands that are bluegrass in the broadest sense but will expect the bands performance to respect the fact that this is a "Bluegrass Festival".

Where To Park or Camp?

All performing band members will be allowed to park in Martin Park on Sunday, August 8, 2010.  Camping will also be available for performing band members in tent or RV parking without hookups for those wishing to come early and stay on the festival grounds.   All others will be allowed to park or camp at regular ticket prices.

Need More Information?

Complete festival information may be found here on the web or by calling the East Hartford Parks and Recreation at (860) 291-7166.

The Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival will celebrate its 15th year with one of its most outstanding line-ups to date. The festival will run from Thursday, August 5th through Sunday, August 8nd at Martin Park in East Hartford, Connecticut.   People always ask, "How nice can this festival be if it's in a city?".  But once you arrive at Martin Park you will find all the city sounds melt away and the mature park keeps the city sounds out and the bluegrass in. 

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Page last updated: 5-22-2010