Las Vegas Weekly

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April Corbin

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 (3 p.m.)

Every struggling musician is looking for a big break — or, hell, even just a foot in the door — and for one smokin' hot local band, the opportunity may be within reach.

Smokin' Hot Aces will host an as-yet untitled battle of the bands beginning March 7. Before you groan about the appearance of yet another battle, check out what the winner receives: $10,000 in cash and prizes, the opportunity to open for a Universal act during a Memorial Day weekend performance at the Venetian's new rock bar, and exposure to major record labels (not to mention a smorgasbord of bragging rights for proving their musical merit at one of the Strip's few rock 'n roll establishments).

All that is enough to get fired up about, but the slew of guests secured to judge the event isn't hurting, either. Notable local musicians, Strip performers and celebrities will judge the bands' live performances, which will be spaced two-a-night (9 p.m. and 10 p.m.) every Sunday beginning March 7 until Memorial Day. Those scores—along with online and in-person ballot voting—will determine the competition's four finalists.

Staying true to the bar's atmosphere, none of the 20 local bands selected to compete in the battle of the bands will be of the bubblegum variety. Here, bands are expected to rock out, though what that entails is open to some interpretation. Even if it's more blues-inspired or urban-fusion than mainstream rock or alternative, organizers say they're open to the possibilities, if acts are talented enough.

Any band that thinks they are smokin' hot enough to rock the stage at Smokin' Hot Aces can contact Steve Slaughter with their demos at steve@thirtythreegroup.com.