Again this year we have made some adjustments to make this year contest fair and more competitive.

The round will consist of 3 categories. Youth/Regional/Experienced. Basically the average age of your band members will be the difference between the Youth and Experienced categories and the Regional will consist of bands from outside of Topeka. I am attempting to level the playing field as well as put together great shows that focus on the magic formula that has made The Trap so successful with shows. Successful Show = Young Band - Touring/Regional Band - Experienced Band. This combination has the young bands that can really bring the numbers, the touring bands to keep things fresh with new music and then the experienced bands that bring the drinkers so I can pay the bills. You have seen it, you know it works. Now with the excitement provided by the Battle for Blacklodge we should have a great summer for shows.

Basically we will be collecting the number of votes for each band, each show, in each category. The top vote getters will move on the second round. Again for the second round the top vote getters in their category move on to the Final. Then for the final the votes will be counted and the band with the highest percentage of votes in relation to the average vote counts in their respective category will be the winner.

For example if the average votes counts for each category are:

Youth - 25, Reg - 15, Exp - 19

and for the final the vote counts are:

Youth - 30, Reg - 17, Exp - 24

Then the Exp band would win

Ratios    Youth - 1.2, Reg - 1.117, Exp - 1.263

Even though Youth had more votes they didn't score the highest score compared to the average score from the other bands in their group, the Experienced did. I know this might be a little bit confusing but it is really not that complicated. It is just a way to compare bands to other similar bands. There will be a minimum vote count for the final round probably around 35 or so to make sure there is not any anomalies with the average turn outs.

I will categorize each band on age of members and past performances in attempt to have equal numbers in each group. But no matter what you just need to bring the crowds just like in the big world you have to fill concert halls in order to win the big prize.

I think this compares apples to apples and gives every band a chance to win. Judging is always so subjective and sparks too much controversy but I think this will work. At least we are going to give it a try this year.

As most of you know these competitions have been great for shows and it gets your music in front of a lot of people that otherwise might not ever get to check you out so get it together and lets make this another great summer and fall.

As always the door money will be paid out to the bands as the usual door split as per Info. The prize is donated by Blacklodge Studios in exchange for advertising offered by The Boobie Trap Bar.

I know a lot of bands do not like competitions but these are the best shows I can put together with the biggest crowds and I pay out just like every other show only usually a lot more people means a lot more money. So don't look at this like any other Battle of the Bands, this is a whole different animal. This will be the fourth year of these competitions and they are extremely beneficial for everyone. So come on and join the fun :o)

I will get more details posted as we go but the fun starts in JUNE so take a look at the Calendar and give me a date that works for your band. I am beginning early to put these shows together. Email me at boobietrap@cox.net

Brian

For more info on The Trap click here www.boobietrapbar.com