With Shanghai Band, The Red Groove Project, as Runner Up
(Macao, May 27, 2012) - Supported by the Macau Government Tourist Office, The Venetian Carnival, a three-day celebration of world cultures through music, food, wine and live entertainment at The Venetian Macao, crowned the winners of Asia's richest Jazz & Blues contest tonight. Three of the six finalists have taken away a total cash prize pool of HK$500,000 in the 'Battle of the Bands' showdown. The judges, Hong Kong icon Mr. Michael Wong, Mr. Matt Coyte, Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone Australia magazine, and Ms. Vonzell Solomon, American Idol top-three finalist, watched 12 hopefuls perform, each in 30-minute sets. Contestants were judged on their skill, style and overall performance over the three-day carnival.
The distinguished panel of judges announced the winners to be:
1st Place HK$250,000: The Main Squeeze, Indiana, U.S.
2nd Place HK$150,000: The Red Groove Project, Shanghai, China
3rd Place HK$100,000: SPOKE, New York, U.S
Brendon Elliott, Vice President of Sales & Resort Marketing, Venetian Macau Ltd. said, "We had an overwhelming response to the inaugural Venetian Carnival Jazz & Blues contest, with home-grown talent from Macao to as far away as Brazil, France, Korea and the U.S. The calibre of entries exceeded our expectations and the 12 finalists over the three-day Carnival showcased their skills and provided the thousands of visitors a phenomenal weekend of entertainment. It's been an absolute pleasure to see locals, our guests and visitors so engaged in the activities and the top three winners were outstanding!"
1st Place: The Main Squeeze (Indiana, U.S.)
2nd Place: The Red Groove Project (Shanghai)
3rd Place: SPOKE (U.S.)
Judging Panel: Michael Wong, Vonzell Solomon, Matt Coyte
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About The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel
The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel is Macao's first integrated resort featuring stunning replicas of the famous canals and architectural icons of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Macao features 3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet of convention and meeting facilities as well as a 15,000-seat CotaiArena™ designed for world-class sports events and electrifying entertainment. The Venetian Macao is also home to the unique, 1,800-seat luxury Venetian Theatre, hosting the best in international and Chinese entertainment; more than 30 renowned restaurants; MALO CLINIC Health & Wellness; the incredibly fun QUBE indoor playground and more than 300 retailers at The Grand Canal Shoppes. Outdoor recreation areas include swimming pools and cabanas and a mini-golf course.