February 8, 2008

Enter San José Public Library's ‘Battle of the Bands’— A Celebration of Teen Tech Week 2008

Are you a teen (aged 12 - 18) that performs with your own band? Ready to move out of the garage and onto a wider stage? Enter San José Public Library's online "Battle of the Bands," in celebration of Teen Tech Week 2008.

"Wait," you say. "Online? How do I do that?" It's simple. Have your parents or a friend grab that camcorder and record your best performance. Post the video online (e.g., MySpace, YouTube, Pure Volume, etc.). Submit your entry, by sending an email to sjplbattleofthebands@gmail.com that contains a link to your music online. Be sure to include the following information:

- The name of the band/performer, and names and ages of all members

- A brief description of the band, to be used on the contest web page

- A name, phone number, and email where the contestants can be reached

Please note: No personal information will be posted online.

This contest is open to all musical genres, but no obscene or offensive lyrics are allowed. Inappropriate lyrics or behavior will result in disqualification. Participants may enter together as a group, or as a solo performer. Solo performers must play an accompanying instrument. No karaoke permitted. Those interested in singing are encouraged to watch for announcements of April's "San Jose Teen Idol" competition.

Contestants who do not yet have music online may participate in one of the two recording sessions taking place in February. Performers may bring their gear and perform a song, which will be recorded by library staff and then uploaded, online, as a video. Recording sessions are scheduled at the following San Jose locations:

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 4-7 p.m. at West Valley Branch Library, 1243 San Tomas Aquino Rd.

Friday, Feb. 15, 3-6 p.m. at Dr. Roberto Cruz - Alum Rock Branch, 3090 Alum Rock Ave.

Your entry will be posted on the official "SJPL Battle of the Bands" website. Music lovers will be invited to visit the page between Feb. 18 and 24 to listen in and cast their votes for their favorites. The top five finalists who receive the most online votes will be contacted and announced Feb. 26.

The top five finalists from the online voting contest must be available to play the live final concert on Saturday, Mar. 1 at the Almaden Branch Library (6445 Camden Ave, San Jose). The play-off battle begins at 2 p.m. and each band will have up to 20 minutes to perform their set.

A panel of judges will use a 10-point scale to evaluate the performers on their musical ability and stage presence. First, second and third place winners will be selected to receive prizes as follows:

- GRAND PRIZE: Ten Hours of Studio Recording Time at The Venue plus $150 Gift Certificate to Guitar Center

- Second Place: $100 Gift Certificate to Guitar Center

- Third Place: $50 Gift Certificate to Guitar Center

The decision of the judges will be final.

For more information, including full contest rules, stop by your neighborhood branch of the San José Public Library, or go online to www.sjlibrary.org/about/events/bands.htm. For additional Teen Tech Week activities, such as video game days and iPod cozy crafts, go online to www.sjlibrary.org/about/events/ttw.htm or call King Library Youth Services at (408) 808-2183.

Teen Tech Week is a national initiative sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association and is aimed at teens, their parents, educators and other concerned adults. The purpose of the initiative is to ensure that teens are competent and ethical users of technologies, especially those that are offered through libraries such as DVDs, databases, audio books and videogames. Teen Tech Week encourages teens to use libraries' non-print resources for education and recreation, and to recognize that librarians are qualified, trusted professionals in the field of information technology. Teen Tech Week began in 2007 and has a general theme of Get Connected @ Your Library.