BMI’s Road to Bonnaroo 2013 (RTB 2013) will bring Nashville’s indie bands and music fans together for the fifth consecutive year to select three homegrown artists ready to represent the city’s bustling music scene on a national stage. Slated for three Mondays during BMI’s 8 off 8th shows at the Mercy Lounge over the next three months – February 25, March 25 and April 15 – RTB 2013 will offer one slot each night to perform at the 2013 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, June 13-16 in Manchester, Tenn.
RTB 2013 will follow the rules established in previous years: As the live-action litmus test, eight bands will perform three-song sets during each installment of the series. To select the evening’s top contender, an industry panel comprised of local music journalists, bloggers, and 8 off 8th hosts will contribute one half of the verdict, while fan votes through onsite ballots determine the other half.
As the nation’s spotlight remains laser-focused on Nashville, more eyes bring greater expectations and up the five-year-old RTB’s already considerable ante. The lineup for the first round of RTB 2013 meets the challenge and sets the bar sky high.
WHEN:
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25
9 p.m.; Free and Open to 21+
WHO:
WHERE:
MERCY LOUNGE
1 Cannery Row
Nashville, TN 37203
Follow this year's competition on Twitter: #Rd2Bonnaroo
The RTB 2013 is sponsored by BMI, the Mercy Lounge, The Nashville Scene, and the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.
BMI’s involvement underscores the organization’s vital role as an early career counselor and support system for aspiring songwriters and bands. As an initial point of contact for burgeoning artists, BMI serves as a fundamental bridge, connecting promising talent with industry decision-makers, as well as invaluable opportunities, including performance slots on stages at SXSW, the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Lollapalooza, the Hangout Music Festival, and the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.
