Are you in a band or ensemble? Are you a solo musician, in a duet, or trio?
We want to hear from you!

The winning band will receive $1,000
and the chance to perform their own show on the Raue Center stage!

We are accepting submissions from unsigned bands that aren’t touring
and are from the Greater Chicago region. All genres accepted!

2023 Dates:
Accepting Submissions: March 20 – June 2 @ 11:55 pm
Announce 8 semi-finalists: July 10, 2023
Semi-Finals: August 17 & 18, 2023
Finals: August 19, 2023

Submission Guidelines/Rules:
Please submit one sample of work via link/file uploaded to DropBox-

• The videos must be produced for the purpose of this contest and cannot be from previous engagements or contests.
• Bands will be judged by a panel of judges including local and national industry professionals. There will also be a Fan Favorite category.
• Bands are asked to submit 1 original song and/or 1 cover song but not more than two (2) songs.
• Semi-finalist Performers must bring their own instruments, cables, and stands (for keyboards, etc…).
• Lyrics cannot include profanity, derogatory remarks, sexually explicit content, or violence.
• Bands will have 25 minutes on stage, which includes getting yourself situated, playing your set, and leaving the stage. Effective use of this time is part of the judging criteria.
• Finalist performances will be ?? minutes.

Bands will be judged based on the criteria listed below:

• Basics: 25 Points – the overall band sound and cohesiveness as a unit
• Stage Presence: 25 Points – Moving around & using the full stage, interacting with other band members, and acknowledging the crowd.
• Material: 25 Points – Songs highlight the band’s strengths. Song choices work well together; cohesiveness of setlist.
• Crowd Reaction: 25 Points – Does the band create positive reactions/applause from the audience.

Semi-Finals lineup will be determined through random drawing once eight semi-finalists are determined by the judges.

Prizes:
The final four bands will compete for 1st and 2nd prize, as well as fan favorite, and will be awarded prizes as follows:

• 1st place $1,000 + Main Stage show at Raue Center For The Arts
• 2nd place $500
• Fan Favorite $250
• Fan Favorite may be awarded to any of the four finalists.