Budding bands could break through with Big Music Fest competition!
KITCHENER — The search for the next Aerosmith or Bryan Adams is underway.
Breaking Bands, the province-wide talent search tied to this summer's Big Music Fest in Kitchener, officially launched on Thursday.
The competition, open to emerging Ontario bands with three or more members aged 16 or over, aims to launch the winner's musical career, said Patti Jannetta Baker, development and sponsorship manager for the three-day July festival.
Big Music Fest kicks off Friday, July 11 at McLennan Park with the competition, followed by Styx, Collective Soul, Moist and Adams on Saturday, and Slash, Big Wreck, Kim Mitchell and Aerosmith on Sunday.
Details on Breaking Bands were revealed Thursday during a press conference where Kitchener-Centre MPP John Milloy also formally announced a provincial contribution of $272,250 to the event.
"We're not only giving some magnificent prizing," Jannetta Baker said.
Along with things like clothing and cash, the Breaking Bands winner will also receive 40 hours of studio time, an eight-week radio campaign, a distribution deal and mentoring from industry leaders.
They'll also be filmed by a documentary crew, leading up to a main-stage performance at the 2015 Big Music Fest. The finished product will be used as a promotional tool for the band.
This year, the top 25 finalists will all perform on the Friday before a judging panel and a live audience, with the winner being announced that night. Admission on Friday is free.
Tickets are selling well, said Jannetta Baker. Single-day weekend tickets are priced at $69.50 and less than 1,000 two-day passes are still available for $99.50. Organizers are hoping to attract as many as 24,000 fans a day.
"This has the potential of becoming a major festival in our community," said Mayor Carl Zehr. "It will bring millions of dollars into the community."
Although concerns about transparency and secrecy enveloped the festival when it was first announced, Zehr said he believes "that's behind us now."
A parking strategy is being finalized, said Coun. Paul Singh, and will take into account the feedback officials have received from the community.
Details on the Big Music Fest website indicate that parking will be available for $20 at Conestoga College's Doon campus on Saturday and Sunday, with free shuttles taking fans to McLennan Park. Parking for Friday will be available for $20 at Lions Arena on Rittenhouse Road, across from McLennan Park.
Event parking won't be allowed on city streets near the park, and officials say the restrictions will be strictly enforced.
Breaking Bands contestants should visit www.sonicbids/breaking-bands for complete rules and to apply. Visit www.bigmusicfest.com for more information on the concert.
bdavis@therecord.com
Waterloo Region Record By Brent Davis
