Road to the Battle of the Blues Harps September 25, 2010

Cash awards totaling $2,500 and the opportunity to perform the opening act at the 22nd Annual Battles of the Blues Harps, Southern California's longest running blues harmonica event featuring top acts from around the country, will be up for grabs in a new competition.

Open to all unsigned harmonica based blues bands as well as duos and soloists who perform Chicago, West Coast Jump, Delta or Texas style blues. A maximum of 16 bands will be selected to perform a 30 minute set on one of the Blues Battle dates at the Orange County Market Place: Saturdays: September 25, October 2, 9 or 16. Four bands compete each date. Set times are noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

A winner will be selected from each date and the top four bands will compete in the finals set for Saturday, October 23. The first place winner receives $1,000 cash and will perform as the opening act at Southland Blues Magazine’s 22nd Annual Battle of the Blues Harps on Thanksgiving Eve, November 24, 2010 with nationally recognized bands. This year’s line up already includes Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers and Kim Wilson from The Fabulous Thunderbirds. More information on this event is available at www.southlandblues.com.

Admission to the Saturday harmonica competition concerts is free with a canned food donation to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and includes the swap meet. Regular admission is $2 and free for children 12 and under. Free parking is available and preferred parking is $5.

Official Website: http://www.ocmarketplace.com