IV Post

(NAPSI) - Striking the right chord with a growing number of up-and-coming bands is a competition that gives them the chance to show the world that they deserve a shot at the big time.

Beginning May 1, an iconic American drum and guitar maker, the Gretsch Company, is sponsoring the Next Gretsch Greats Unsigned Artist Competition as part of its 125th anniversary celebration this year. "What better way to look toward the future of music than by hosting an international search for the best undiscovered bands?" said company president and CEO Fred Gretsch.

Open To Unsigned Artists

The competition is open to unsigned and independent record label artists in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Japan, Germany, France and Spain. Between May 1 and May 31, 2008, eligible bands can enter the competition at www.gretsch125th.com/contest. Ten finalists will be selected by popular online voting in June and July. Then, the finalists will be judged by an expert panel that will select the grand-, first- and second-prize winners.

The grand-prize winner will win $15,000 in Gretsch instruments and a spot at Gretsch's 125th anniversary concert in New York City this November, opening for a star-studded lineup full of "Gretsch Greats." One first-prize winner will take home $5,000 in Gretsch guitars and drums and one second-prize winner will win $1,250 in gift certificates to outfit their band with Gretsch instruments. Every band that enters the contest will receive a free Gretsch commemorative poster.

Search For New Bands

While Next Gretsch Greats is the company's first search for new bands, the company has been closely connected to cutting-edge music since its early years. From legendary jazz drummers like Max Roach, Chick Webb and Art Taylor to rock 'n' roll revolutionaries Bo Diddley, George Harrison, Charlie Watts and Bono, Gretsch players have contributed to nearly every style of music created in the last 125 years. Today, bands like The White Stripes, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Decemberists are ushering in a new era of legendary Gretsch music.

The Next Gretsch Greats competition will give talented and hard-working bands the opportunity to have their music heard by audiences worldwide.

For official competition rules and regulations, visit www.gretsch 125th.com/contest.

The Next Gretsch Greats grand-prize package will include a Brian Setzer Hot Rod guitar.