• Performers must be local to the Alabama area.
• Bands must be not signed or currently “touring”. The definition of those terms are at our discretion.

• A band is defined as any number of people more than one.

• Top five bands selected will compete for 1^st, 2^nd, or 3^rd place and will be awarded various prizes and the opportunity to perform at a Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater signature event.
  • 1st place grand prize is TBA
  • 2nd place runner up prize is TBA
  • 3rd place prize is TBA

• All band submissions may also lead to future bookings for SMPA events—subject to the event needs and discernment of the SMPA Events and Entertainment team.

The contest is fan voting, social media engagement, and guest judging. This means that your fans or friends will come and vote and whoever has the highest score will open the show for the Make More mEMOmories Fest.

All bands that enter agree that July 7th and 8th are available dates for performance at Sand Mountain Amphitheater.

• Application period is April 13- May 5, 2023.

• Performers must submit two (2) one-song performance videos to qualify for the contest. One song is to be a cover version of a song and the other is to be completely original and written by the band. The videos must be produced for the purpose of this contest and cannot be from previous engagements or contests.

• Lyrics cannot include profanity, derogatory remarks, sexually explicit content or violence. Engaging in these acts will result in disqualification.

• Videos should be submitted at the links below

• Videos can be created using a single smartphone camera (widescreen, not square, please) or can be as elaborate as you have means to provide. Remember that the judges will need clear audio with a good mix to hear what you really sound like.

• The performance space (stage) should look like it is prepared/decorated for the performance and reflect your band’s personality. Keep in mind the audience is a family-friendly venue.

• Remember that this video is to be a live performance and needs to be indicative of how you look/play on a concert stage. Staged/Music Videos are not going to be accepted for the contest.

• A judging panel consisting of locally based artists and industry professionals will select bands based on the following criteria:
  • Planning/preparedness
  • Originality
  • Interface with “audience”
  • Quality of performance
  • Conformance to contest rules
  • Presentation

• The top five finalists will be selected and notified on March 4, 2022.

• The top five bands will compete live at the Final Battle on July 7, 2023 at the Sand Mountain Amphitheater (weather depending).

• Bands will be scored in 3 categories: social media engagement, on-site fan voting, and guest judging . 
  • Social Media Engagement: 25%
  • Performance Judging 25%
  • On-Site Fan Voting: 50%

• Performers must bring their own instruments, cables and stands (for keyboards, etc…).  Microphones/PA, guitar/bass amplifiers and a drum set will be provided. Drummers can bring their own snare, cymbals, and drumsticks, though the kit will be provided as a complete kit without the need for those items.

• Sand Mountain Amphitheater will provide daytime sound check schedule. Bands will need to come to the venue at their scheduled times so that proper levels can be set and saved to the house PA equipment.

• Bands will have 25 minutes on stage, which includes getting yourself situated, playing your set and leaving the stage. Effective use of this time is part of the judging criteria. 

• Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater is not responsible for loading/storing any band equipment. Band shall be liable for delivery, handling, and removal of all personal equipment. Any band-branded items must sit on the floor and cannot be hung or posted on the stage walls, truss, or doors. The City prohibits any nailing, stapling, taping or otherwise affixing items to the wall, ground, or anything in the show area in such a way to cause damage. Engaging in these acts could result in grounds for disqualification.

• Dollies/hand trucks WILL NOT be supplied by Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater. Participants must bring their own.

• Venue has a house lighting rig and no supplemental fixtures are to be allowed. No additional effects are allowed. No open flame or pyrotechnic effects shall be used or performed. Engaging in these acts could result in grounds for disqualification.