text: 'Hard Rock Rising': Hard Rock Café Niagara Falls - USA 'Global Battle of the Bands' competition gives Niagara Falls-area talent a chance at international stardom
  Wed, Feb 20th 2013 07:00 am
  Hard Rock International has called on aspiring musicians from around the globe to rock out for the opportunity of a lifetime through this year's "Hard Rock Rising" - the most far-reaching battle of the bands competition in the world. As Hard Rock continues its commitment to emerging artists, "Hard Rock Rising" will place the grand prize winner on the fast-track to global stardom as they embark on a world tour in six renowned cities arranged by Hard Rock International - including a spot on the bill at the Hard Rock Calling festival in London, with additional dates at Hard Rock Cafés in cities such as Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Chicago and Honolulu; make an album and music video through Hard Rock Records; and receive new music equipment and gear valued at $10,000.
  Hard Rock Café's Facebook fans from around the world have spoken - narrowing down more than 12,000 bands to its top contenders - and only a select few will move on to the next round and perform live at participating cafes.
  Through multiple live battle events at Hard Rock Café Niagara Falls - USA beginning on Thursday, Feb. 21, the undiscovered talents of Niagara Falls will vie for the top spot to represent the city in "Hard Rock Rising's" global competition. Performances by BangBang Gang, Breckenwood, Contagious Woo, CrashFuse, Dirty Smile, Fiona Corinne, Handsome Jack, High Horse, Klear, Kroy Weezy, Low Road Revival, Mute Reminder, Randle and the Late Night Scandals, Reign, SIC SIN, and Whiskey Reverb will be judged by a panel of local industry experts that include James Kurdziel, Bob Silvestri, Rich Sargent, Tim O'Shei, Justin Rose, Paul Varga, Joey Nicastro and Eddie Tice. The final round will be held on Thursday, March 21, and will feature each of the preliminary winners. One band will then be selected to represent Niagara Falls - USA as they compete against 95 other Hard Rock Café winners from around the world.
  Fan voting on participating Hard Rock Facebook pages will narrow down the 96 local winners to the top 25 bands. Once determined, an esteemed panel of celebrity judges and music industry professionals will select the grand prize winner. Two runner-up bands will each receive new music equipment and gear valued at $10,000. For full rules and a list of participating locations, visit www.hardrock.com or www.facebook.com/hardrock.
  The Hard Rock Café Niagara Falls - USA is located 333 Prospect St., Niagara Falls. For more information, call 716-282-0007 or visitwww.hardrock.com/niagarafalls.