Along with a special appearance by George Benson
(Hong Kong, May 2, 2012) – The judging line up, set to decide who will take home part of HK$500,000 (approx. US$64,000) in The Venetian Carnival - Jazz & Blues Battle of the Bands contest has been announced. Furthermore, 10 time Grammy Award nominee George Benson, guitar legend, will be at The Venetian Macao performing in a concert on 25 May, the first day of The Venetian Carnival.
The judges, Mr Matt Coyte, Editor-in-Chief of Rolling Stone Australia magazine, and Ms Vonzell Solomon, American Idol top 3 finalist will attend the three-day New Orleans themed Venetian Carnival from May 25-27 where the 12 finalist bands will compete. Guests and finalists will be treated with a performance by George Benson, who will play in a concert on Friday, May 25.
“I am very excited about the entertainment line-up for The Venetian Carnival in 2012,” said Brendon Elliott, Vice President of Sales and Resort Marketing, Venetian Macau Limited.
“We are privileged to have Jazz and Blues legend, George Benson at The Venetian Theatre on the 25th – which is sensational. Furthermore, our judging panel consists of two esteemed people from their respective industries, who will be on hand to decide who wins the Battle of the Bands contest; and a third celebrity judge will be added soon! This completes an already impressive line-up of performances by the likes of Pine Leaf Boys and The Nevilles who will perform at our “Charity Ball” and of course our 12 talented band contestants.”
Entry in the Jazz & Blues Battle of the Bands contest is free and open to all budding performers, visit www.venetianmacao.com/carnival/. Entries close at 6 pm (HK time) on Friday, May 4, 2012.
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About The Jazz & Blues Battle of the Bands Contest
Open to all international jazz and blues performers; entrants should visit www.venetianmacao.com/carnival/ to submit an entry form and upload a video by 6 pm (HK time), May 4, 2012.
Reviewed by a panel of high-profile, industry-leading music veterans, 12 successful entrants will enjoy a package of flights, ferry tickets, accommodation and food & beverage sponsored by The Venetian Macao. The competition is open to individual artists, vocalists and instrumentalists alike as well as groups of up to six musicians.
Spanning the three-day festival, the competition features prizes that include a chance to take home part of a cash prize pool of HK$500,000 (approx US$64,000):
First Place: HK$250,000 (approx. US$32,000)
Second Place: HK$150,000 (approx. US$19,000)
Third Place: HK$100,000 (approx. US$13,000)
Entry is easy, with participants asked to share a web link to a live performance via online channels such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
About The Venetian Carnival
With avid support from the Macau Government Tourist Office, The Venetian Carnival takes centre stage as Asia’s definitive event of 2012.
Famous for its unrivalled display of glamour, glitz, live entertainment, style and vibrant energy, this year’s carnival will be no exception. A reflection on the New Orleans jazz and blues scene, entertainers from all corners of the globe will be flown in; from New Orleans, the Michael Foster Project brass band and four time Emmy award nominee Pine Leaf Boys, to the ten-time Grammy award-winning American musician George Benson.
The Venetian Macao outdoor lagoon will be transformed into New Orleans Mardi Gras through performers, lights, beads, international food and music. Visitors can enjoy the extensive fairground or take advantage of the carnival’s gondola rides and wine gardens set to adorn the Campanile Tower area. The event will culminate with the Mardi Gras Costume “Charity Ball,” headlined by acclaimed New Orleans soul group, The Neville Brothers. A premier black-tie event for the who’s who of Macao and Asia, the “Charity Ball” will feature live performances, a cocktail reception and charity auction.
Admission to The Venetian Carnival is free, while exclusive “Charity Ball” tickets priced at HK$1,200 go on sale from April 25 and include free-flowing wine and a specially prepared five-star dining experience.
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.