Members of the bands selected to compete will not pay a cover fee at the door ($20/person value) and will not be required to sell any tickets (although we do encourage you to bring as many fans as possible as this is a fundraiser).  

All semifinalists receive from Nimbit.com:

•  upgrade to nimbitRetailPlus service for one year ($129 value)
•   one free product setup ($15)
•   50 posters ($40 value) to help promote your band at the 2008 Battle of the Bands.

Tickets will be available online at our website. All proceeds from the event go directly to the non-profit Ryan J. Lariviere Memorial Fund and Music Drives Us foundations. The show is an all age’s event, minors under 17 must accompanied by an adult.

Awards:
The Ryan J. Lariviere Memorial Fund (“The Fund”) was developed to help musicians record a quality demo CD. The winning band or musician will receive 50 hours of recording and mastering time at a studio of there choice, however, equitable terms must be negotiated between the studio and The Fund before that studio will be accepted by The Fund to perform the recording. The winning band/musician will receive:

• 1000 professionally packaged CDs

The CDs are expressly for use by the winning artist and made available to help the winner promote themselves. In addition, The Fund will also provide assistance in distributing CDs to professionals within the music industry.

• free customized nimbitSkin storefront placed on their website ($100 value)
• featured placement of the latest album on CDFreedom.com
• featured artist of the month on PIXY 103’s Home Grown show with Suzanne Tonaire

Weather and scheduling permitting, the winning band will also be offered the same residence where Ryan’s band “ dismal ” spent their time away from the studio. The total value of the award is well in excess of $7,000 and must be redeemed within one (1) year of winning.

More prizes will be added as they develop, so bookmark this page for updates .

Format:
The Ryan J. Lariviere Memorial Fund is looking for unsigned original bands playing original music. The Ryan J. Lariviere Memorial Fund, together with its promoters, sponsors and judges, require that all music performed at the Battle be indicative of the type of music that the band would record should they win the contest. Prior to performing, each band will be asked to list the songs that they intend to perform along with composer credits and lyrics. Each song listed must be written or co-written by a current member of the band and that member must be performing on the night of the contest. Sampling, parody, paraphrasing or tribute lyrics will not be considered a violation of the rules outlined in this paragraph. Please address any questions about these rules and/or how they apply to your song(s) well in advance.

All bands/musicians that are chosen to compete in the battle will be afforded the opportunity to perform a sound check the afternoon of the Battle. Sound checks will be scheduled on a first come first served basis and will stop one half hour prior to doors opening. You are encouraged to come early if you want to guarantee the option for doing a sound check.

The exact time for each performance at the battle will be announced soon after the finalists are selected. All performers must arrive at least one hour prior to their scheduled start time or run the risk of forfeiting your opportunity to compete.

The specific format will be based on the number of qualified bands/musicians chosen to compete in the battle. The intent is choose up to seven (7) bands/musicians and afford each participant the opportunity to play a twelve minute set of original songs, followed by a 10-minute stage change over.   Following the initial sets from each participating band/musician, a panel of independent judges will chose three (3) finalists. The finalists will then be randomly selected to perform a final original song (five minute max.).

Following the play-off the headliner for the evening “Bang Camaro” will perform.   Immediately following the Bang Camaro set, will be the announcement of the Grand Prize winner. The judge’s decision will be final. Every band will walk out with prizes donated by sponsors – everyone wins in our Battles!

Upon completion of the award ceremony bands will be allowed to pack and load their equipment. 

Rules:
In order to set-up and breakdown in a timely fashion, bands will not be allowed to bring any lights, signs, special effects, etc. A back line drum set and mics will be provided and the stage will be set up to accommodate an average five-piece band (drums, vocals, two guitars and bass). Bands will be responsible for providing their own instruments, guitar amps and peddles, etc. Drummers are allowed to bring in extra pieces (e.g. specialty symbols, bongos, etc.) but must be able to set-up and breakdown in the allotted time period. The Fund will provide additional staffing to help in setting up and breaking down.

Each band is responsible for their equipment. Storage space will be provided on the stage but neither the Ryan J. Lariviere Memorial Fund, the Music Drives Us Foundation, our sponsors, nor the Memorial Hall Bldg and its management assumes any liability for lost or stolen items at the event.  

Band members and crew must display badges at all times when entering the backstage area. Bands are allowed no more than three (3) crewmembers to help set-up and breakdown equipment.

Mo shing, crowd surfing, etc., is strictly prohibited at the Memorial Hall Bldg. If this behavior is encouraged by any band it will result in immediate elimination of the band. In addition, the Ryan J Lariviere Memorial Fund, Music Drives Us, and Memorial Hall Bldg management reserve the right to dismiss any bands or audience member(s) that do not comply with all the rules at any time or that demonstrate signs of drug or alcohol abuse.

Inclusion in the Battle is a privilege and honor and indicates that you agree to all rules and information indicated herein. It is the responsibility of each band member to comply with all terms and conditions

Judging:
There will be two panels of judges for the Battle. The first panel of judges are the surviving members of Ryan’s band, dismal and are the most knowledgeable and aware of Ryan’s taste and appreciation of music and musicianship. They will choose the bands that will compete in the Battle. 

On the day of the Battle, all performances will be judged by an independant panel  of music professionals not associated with The Fund. Judges will score the Contest using a point system from 1 to 10, 10 being the best. Judges will award points in the following categories: Musicianship, Vocals, Song Writing, Lyrics, Stage Presence, Audience Conduct and Response, Bios, and Set-up and Break-Down. All judging will be final.

Ticket Sales:
Tickets to the venue are $20.00 in advance of the show, $25.00 at the door. Advanced ticket sales will be available through our website www.rjlmemorialfund.org .

Bands are not required to sell any tickets for the event; however, we encourage your band to get the word out to friends and family members, audience response is part of the overall judging system. Remember, this venue is strictly an all ages event. Valid ID is required at the door for anyone wishing to consume alcohol.

All door proceeds go to support the Ryan J. Lariviere Memorial Fund and the Music Drives Us Foundation, both non-profit 501 (c) 3 organizations teamed up to help fund future battles and musicians.   Everyone who enters the venue, other than competing band members, will be required to purchase a ticket.  

All participating bands agree to have their name, voice, and/or likeness used in any advertising or broadcasting material relating to the Battle without any compensation.

Please bookmark this site to keep up with information regarding additions and changes to information contained on our site regarding the Battle.

The Fund encourages all bands to participate, even if you do not have a CD or are not capable of uploading to Sonicbids.   For information on how to enter by mail please contact: rjlmemorialfund.musicians@yahoo.com . 

Waiver Agreement:
The undersigned agrees to assume all risks incidental to the performance and participation in the

Ryan J Lariviere Memorial Fund 2008 Battle of the Bands (herein referred to as “The Fund”), whether occurring prior to, during, or after the actual Contest. The Fund, the management, its agents, sponsors, promoters and the Town of Plymouth are not responsible for liable for any injuries resulting from participation in the Battle of the Bands. Participants agree to hold The Fund, it’s committee members, agents, and representatives harmless against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from the Prize or Contest. In the event the Contest is delayed, rescheduled, or canceled due to circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to, adverse weather, acts of god, etc., the Fund and its members, sponsors, promoters and the Town of Plymouth will be held harmless. Participating performers are responsible for the safety of their personal items, instruments, and equipment at all times. The Fund, its members, sponsors, promoters and the Town of Plymouth will not be held responsible for missing, broken, stolen, or lost items and equipment. We reserve the right to refuse admission or eject any persons whose conduct is deemed by security or The Fund to be disorderly or who fails to comply with the Terms and Conditions herein. The Fund reserves the right to make changes in the Rules and Contest which will become effective upon announcement. Failure to comply with the Contest Rules may result in the disqualification of a participant and/or band. All decisions of The Fund and its judges are final and will not be challenged.

Financial Statement:
Since this award is donated by a charitable trust, the award must be made to an individual whose financial status meets the qualifications as established by HUD.

At least one member of the band must meet the income requirements for 2008 as set forth by HUD. If asked, the band must show proof that a least one band member meets the requirements. Links to specific State HUD Income Guidelines are provided below and the income guidelines are more generous than you might think but if you are living at home with family, be sure to include the income for the entire household.   Please contact us if you have any questions; don’t unnecessarily let this get in the way of your entry ( rjlmemorialfund.musicians@yahoo.com ).

Links to State Specific 2007 HUD Income Guidelines:

     Hotel Information    

Best Western Hotel - A block of rooms is available at the Best Western in Plymouth.  The policy of the hotel requires a two night minimum stay.  We reserved August 15 & 16 @$159.00 per night thinking these dates would be helpful to band camp attendees.   There are 8 rooms being held; some rooms have two queens and some kings only.  Reservations must be made before July 3rd.  After that date, reservations can be made, but it's first come, first serve and two night minimum still applies.

Reservations can be made by calling 508-746-2222.  Make sure to reference the RJL Battle of the Bands to receive the discount rate.



Governor Bradford Hotel - Rooms have been blocked at the Governor Bradford hotel on the waterfront in Plymouth.  Reservations must be made by June 16th.  Rooms start at $115.00 double occupancy per night and there is no minimum stay required.  You may stay additional days at the same price if you want to make a vacation out of it.  Again, refer to the group RJL Battle of the Bands for the discount rate. 

Reservations can be made by calling 508-746-6200.