Cover Band 2011 Contest

The Cover Band contest 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. 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.

Please Note: Submitting artists may need to create a completely separate YouTube video for this submission. Acts must submit as individuals, not bands./n/nIn 2011, the Cover Band contest 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. 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.

Please Note: Submitting artists may need to create a completely separate YouTube video for this submission. Acts must submit as individuals, not bands, where they show off their instrument of choice. See categories below:

• Vocalist


• Bass Guitar


• Electric Guitar


• Acoustic Guitar


• Drums


• Hand Percussion


• Keyboard

Musicians can upload performance video of their best licks, riffs and hits until November 21 for voting by the public. Viewers can vote for their favorite performers from November 22 through November 28. 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.

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.

Cover Band 2011 is presented by SABIAN, Latin Percussion, Toca, Genz Benz, Ovation, Gretsch Drums, Audio-Technica, Hercules, Fender, Casio, Gibraltar, Musician’s Friend, Harmony-Central.com, Sonicbids, Modern Drummer magazine, Guitar Player magazine, EQ magazine, Keyboard Player magazine and Bass Player magazine.

Artists will need to provide a link to their YouTube video during the submission process.