AHOSKIE – So you want to be a rock and roll star? Well, perhaps it’s not time to give up your day job just yet, but if you think your band has the talent, there’s going to be an opportunity to show your stuff.

As part of the first annual Heritage Days in Ahoskie Oct.9, the Downtown Merchants have come together to present the first annual Battle of the Bands.

First prize for the contest is a recording package at Music Box Studios, a CD duplication package by Grande Illusions and a commemorative trophy. According to members of the committee organizing the event, the value ranges around $500 in winnings.

Before your band can enter, however, they have to meet the grade.

Committee members have stated no &uot;foul language&uot; or lyrics of songs will be allowed and all bands wanting to participate must first be auditioned.

&uot;We want to keep this a family event,&uot; stated Brenda Velazquez, owner of Mug Shotz Caf\u00E9. &uot;We want to know what and how each band plans to perform.&uot;

The contest is open to bands, not vocalists who sing over tapes.

Each band will be required to pay a $25 entry fee and to audition live or by video or other recorded means.

Cassette recordings or compact disc recordings will be accepted for audition, but band members will need to contact Velazquez to make sure the tapes are received timely prior to the event.

Each band will be required to do three songs – all of which can be cover songs and/or original material.

Once a band has made the decision to audition, in whatever form, it will be the responsibility of the band to stay in touch with the organizers of the event for audition times and dates.

An application form has been created and no band will be allowed to participate without going through the motions of signing up and being accepted.

For more information about the first annual Battle of the Bands or to obtain an entry form, interested persons can contact Velazquez at 252-332-6844.