Summerfest again looking for bands for "Land the Big Gig"

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Summerfest has teamed up with Robert Haack Diamonds and Tap Milwaukee to find America’s next breakout musical act. Starting April 7th bands and musical acts from across the nation can enter the Land the Big Gig contest by uploading a performance video at LandTheBigGig.com. Videos must be submitted by Noon on Monday, May 13th to be considered.

Fans will vote for their favorite acts online beginning Wednesday, May 15th, and the Top 3 Finalists will be announced on or around Wednesday, June 19th. The finalists will win a trip to Milwaukee, WI to perform at Summerfest’s Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Stage on Thursday, June 27th for their chance to win a share of $50,000 in cash and prizes.

“Playing at Summerfest is the ultimate way for a band to get noticed, and maybe even make it big,” said David Wise, Marketing Director for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “And as if playing at Summerfest isn’t amazing enough, the grand prize winner gets a share of $50,000 in cash and prizes!”

In 2013, Summerfest will celebrate its 46th year of rocking Milwaukee’s lakefront. “The World’s Largest Music Festival,” features more than 800 acts and 1,000 performances on 11 stages over 11 days, providing an unforgettable live music experience for nearly 900,000 music fans from around the world each year.

“At Summerfest, musical talent spans all genres and the same holds true for Land the Big Gig.  We encourage talented musicians of all styles to enter for their chance to win,” said John Boler, Chief Marketing Officer at Summerfest. “We also invite music fans to vote for their favorites online where they will have chances to win prizes as well. The final phase of the competition will culminate on June 27 live at Summerfest and we hope everyone will come out to cheer on their favorite performers and enjoy the festival in action!”

Last year’s Land the Big Gig brought an unprecedented level of partnership and promotion to all participating sponsors. This year, Summerfest and Tap Milwaukee are excited to partner with Robert Haack Diamonds to make Land the Big Gig even bigger and better than before.

"The 2012 Land the Big Gig was extremely fun and exciting, and we are honored to be the presenting sponsor this year," said Bret Eulberg, owner of Robert Haack Diamonds.  "We want to be involved in the community, and what better way than through music and entertainment? Plus, we just might discover the next hidden music star!”

Fans and contest entrants are encouraged to visit LandTheBigGig.com for updates and follow Land the Big Gig on Facebook and Twitter.

Producing Sponsors of Land the Big Gig are Boucher Automotive, University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee and Mountain Dew Kickstart.  Southwest Airlines is the official airline partner of Land the Big Gig.

Summerfest 2013 will take place June 26 - 30 and July 2 - 7, from Noon until Midnight and will be closed Monday, July 1.