The MC Food and Music Festival  is designed to feature talented up and coming artists. The only criteria for entry is that the participating bands are not signed to a label. 

For acceptance into the festival, artists submit an online application. A seasoned Selection Committee thoroughly reviews every application and official selections are announced after notifying the bands. While we cannot take everyone who applies due to a limited number of competition slots (14), we do our best to get as many performers involved and featured as possible!

All bands are evenly judged based on the following criteria, each worth 10 points:

1) GROOVE & FOUNDATION (tightness, rhythmic accuracy, balance)

2) MUSICIANSHIP (how well do musicians know thier instruments; cohesion, solos)

3) VOCALS & TONE QUALITY (pitch, harmony, vocal accuracy, instrumental tone quality)

4) ARTISTIC IDENTITY (unique look and sound, original music / songwriting or creative and unique interpretations of covers)

5) STAGE PRESENCE  (commanding the stage, engaging the crowd, well-executed transitions, overall professionalism)

All bands must play a tight 20 min set 

Short answer: Entirely up to you. Long answer: Our judges adjudicate based on your overall sound and creativity. The more original music you play, the more clear it is to them what your sound is. Pro tip for cover bands: highlight your sound and play songs that match each other. Also find ways to feature songs that don't match one another, but play them in your style.

A completed Battle of the Bands Application