Coverband 2011: A Chance for Players to Take the Stage at the NAMM Show

A number of NAMM Members – including SABIAN, Latin Percussion, Toca, Genz Benz, Ovation, Gretsch Drums, Audio-technica, Hercules, Fender, Casio, Gibraltar, Musician’s Friend, Harmony-Central.com, Sonicbids.com, Modern Drummer magazine, Guitar Player magazine, EQ magazine, Keyboard Player magazine and Bass Player magazine have joined forces to sponsor an online talent contest, which will again provide a once in a lifetime opportunity for aspiring musicians to “hit the big stage” at the 2011 NAMM Show in Anaheim, Calif.
 
Individuals, not bands, will compete for seven performance spots: drummer, bass player, vocalist, percussionist, two guitar players and a keyboard player. Musicians can upload performance video of their best licks, riffs and hits anytime up to November 10 at www.coverband2011.com or www.sonicbids.com for voting by the public. Viewers can vote for their favorite performers between November 11 and 25. The top five finalists in each instrument category are then judged by a celebrity panel. The 2011 panel includes Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith, who will judge the drum performances.
 
Winners will receive an all expenses paid trip to the 2011 NAMM Show, gear from the sponsoring brands, and the opportunity to perform before a live audience at the show. Last year Karl Perazzo, percussionist with Santana, served as music director for the band. Winners are also guaranteed an appearance on a Musician’s Friend cover in 2011.
 
“To perform on a stage at NAMM is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young musicians to showcase their talent in front of an international audience, and we are honored to play a part in helping to foster their musical dreams,” said Steve Grecco, director of national accounts, KMC Percussion Division.
 
A fully integrated online advertising and PR campaign to launch the contest will include promotion on all sponsoring brand Web sites, social network sites and video commercials.

Check out the promotional videos here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIdVXbIxVss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_tct41q9KU
 
For further information about the “CoverBand” contest, please contact Jim Rockwell, Director of Marketing, Latin Percussion and Toca at 973-478-6903, ext. 2607 or jim.rockwell@kmcmusic.com or Steve Grecco, Director of National Accounts, KMC Percussion Division, 973-478-6903, ext. 2539 or Steve.Grecco@kmcmusic.com.