Calgary's Blind Beggar Pub Kicks Original Music Showcase Into High Gear Benefiting Calgary's Indie Music Scene
CALGARY, March 16, 2012 /CNW/ - If you belong to an indie band you know there aren't many venues that take an interest in you past your time onstage, but helping bands market themselves is what the Blind Beggar's Original Music Showcase is all about.
The Original Music Showcase (OMS) is an exposure-based event where bands compete for an awesome prize pack. The top bands will receive free recording time at Off the T-Can Studios, a photoshoot from Brendan Nogue Photography, a spread in Portal Magazine, merchandise from Axe Music, an hour consultation with a management and bookings agency and additional prizes designed to help the bands increase awareness of their music. The top three bands take home prizes but all who participate receive valuable feedback from qualified judges on their stage presence, music appeal and originality.
Thirty bands are given 45 minutes to impress the audience and judges with their all-original (you got it, no covers) music. The bands are also coached on self-promotion helping them to stack the audience with adoring fans - as audience reaction is also an element on the judging scorecard. Participating bands receive their scorecards after their performance so they know areas to improve and where they already excel.
Adam Gawruluk, general manager of the Blind Beggar says, "It's what I love about working here. Through this competition we've met bands with so much talent who just need a boost to take to the next level." Last year's winner, DangerFloyd, have made huge strides with an album the OMS contest helped to fund. Local groups like punk band Downtown Prophets have received enough exposure through the contest to be open for larger bands like GOB and touring icons The Mudmen. Bands competing in OMS year include:
- Kingdom of Few
- The Nix Dicksons
- Open Air
- Flowshine
- Septembryo
- A War Within
The bands that are chosen to complete in the Original Music Showcase take it seriously. Curtis Butala from Kingdom of Few says, "We are so grateful to the Blind Beggar Pub for supporting original music the way they have. The OMS is a staple in the original music community in Calgary."
Whether you are in a band or just someone who appreciates great music, come out, hear the bands play and judge for yourself. Bands in the showcase play Sunday evenings starting at 7:30 pm until 10:30 pm. There is no cover to see talent battle for top spots - it's the best deal in town! The Original Music Showcase wraps up on May 6 with a Big Rock Awards Party featuring Calgary's biggest and best original bands.
More information on the Original Music Showcase bands, schedule and sponsors can be found at www.blindbeggarpub.com.
About Blind Beggar Pub
The Blind Beggar Pub is inspired by good food and great music talent. Through the Original Music Showcase and other events it is committed to growing the original music scene in Calgary. The Blind Beggar hosts indie band auditions on Thursday nights and offers live music through the week-end. Although music is a mainstay at the pub, it is not the only focus. The Blind Beggar offers homemade pub favourites in a traditional English pub setting.
For more information contact Blind Beggar Pub management:
Adam Gawruluk
General Manager
403.212.1180
info@blindbeggarpub.com
Patrick Ballard
Owner
403-512-8755
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