Final Call for Red Stripe Music Award

The Red Stripe Music Award will kick off in Cardiff on Friday 16th January and despite the line up having been picked at over 15 regional live music venues, places are still up for grabs for gigs in March.

The Red Stripe gig series is set to run every weekend from January until April 2009 with a final at the Kentish Town Forum organized for May.

With slots at three of the summer's major festivals including The Great Escape guaranteed for the winner, The Red Stripe Music Award provides unknown bands and artists with a suitable platform and promotional support working with local promoters, press and music specialists.

Bands wanting to take part should visit www.redstripe.net where there are details about all participating venues alongside regular updates on the gigs, shortlists, finalists and special promotions.

The Red Stripe Music Award is supported this year by Fender, Merc clothing, The Fly magazine and The Great Escape.


March dates still available:

5th March (Thu) Cornwall, Bunters
6th March (Fri) Cornwall, Blue
12th March (Thu) London, Dingwalls (Camden)
13th March (Fri) Sheffield, The Harley
14th March (Sat) Newcastle, The End Bar
20th March (Fri) London, Halfmoon (Putney)
20th March (Fri) Birmingham, The Rainbow
21st March (Sat) Norwich, B2 Venue
28th March (Sat) Manchester, Moho
4th April (Sat) Newquay, The Koola Club


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Notes to Editors

Over 1,500 applicants are expected to apply for 2009, from which 150 bands will be selected to play at one of over 25 regional gigs.

In April 2009, 20 bands will be shortlisted and considered by a board of A&R, music journalists and industry specialists - finally resting on 4 finalists who will play at The Kentish Town Forum in May and judged by a panel of four, previously made up of music big wigs including Elbow's Guy Garvey and XFM's John Kennedy.

Last year's winner, Klaus says Buy the Record, has toured the UK supporting a number of well known acts such as The Paddingtons, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly and Scouting for Girls. He's also received airplay on XFM and Radio 1.