Selected local artists will again have the chance to compete for a set at the Bonnaroo festival as the Road to Bonnaroo contest returns for its third year, performing rights organization/sponsor BMI announced this week.
The competition -- also sponsored by Bonnaroo, Yuengling beer and the local venue that hosts it, Mercy Lounge -- kicks off Feb. 28 with its first round of contenders.
Vying for the first of three Bonnaroo slots: Tyler Bryant, Courtney Jaye, Majestico, Chancellor Warhol, Heartbeater, Evan P. Donohue, Kink Ador and Sleeper Agent. Each act will perform at Feb. 28's installment of the Mercy Lounge's long-running 8 off 8th showcase, and at the end of the show, votes for a Bonnaroo-bound winner will be collected.
Winners at the Road to Bonnaroo competition are chosen by a mix of industry judge votes and show attendee ballots. Last year's rally sent singer-songwriter Caitlin Rose, funk provider Space Capone and rock outfits the Non-Commissioned Officers and How I Became the Bomb to the four-day festival.
Two more Road to Bonnaroo competition nights are scheduled on March 21 and April 18. Performers at those events are to be announced. A total of 24 acts will compete.
The 2011 Bonnaroo festival is scheduled for June 9-12 in Manchester, Tenn.