Each year, popular regional bands come to the Country Bluegrass Show in North Platte seeking to break into the festival lineup.

They compete for cash prizes and a chance to catch the fancy of fans and promoters. 

The winning band is invited to join the nation's top touring bands in the festival's regular lineup the following year.

Any band wishing to participate in the showcase competition should click below for an application form.

Click for Showcase Application Form
Showcase Competition
10th Annual
Country Bluegrass Show
April 22-24, 2010 -- North Platte, Nebraska
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Donna Mentzer
1501 W. Leota St.
North Platte NE 69101-6416
1-308-530-0452
wwbluegrass@charter.net
(click to send an email)
SHOWCASE BAND RULES AND FORMAT

Showcase competition is open to any group of two or more.  Each group will perform approximately 30 minutes.  Competition will be held the mornings of Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th.

Only acoustic instruments are allowed.  No drums.  Bluegrass, traditional country, celtic and gospel are suggested music forms.

This is an opportunity for a band to showcase its talents before a live audience and other promoters.   Some past winners have gone on to be among the festival's most popular performing bands.

There is no entry fee, but each participant must have a paid wristband for the day the band is to showcase.  Friends and family that wish to see their band perform will also be required to have a paid wristband. There is no charge for children under 12.

The winning band will be asked to return for the 2011 festival as paid performers. 

Showcase contestants will be judged as follows:
--75 percent musical ability (in time, in tune, etc., plus special instrumental/vocal features).
--25% Stage presence and audience appeal

Awards are $400 for first place, $200 for second and $100 for third.

A former Showcase winning band -- the Blue Canyon Boys of Denver, Colo., -- has been one of the Country Bluegrass Show's most popular performers at subsequent festivals.
Thank you to Bart Holmquist, a true friend of Bluegrass music, for providing video stage cards during the festival and for providing many of the photos on this Web page.