Oswego, NY – Aspiring musicians under the age of 21 are invited to take part in one of Oswego Harborfest’s most exciting events, the annual Battle of the Bands competition. 

Scheduled for Saturday, July 26^th, Harborfest’s Battle of the Bands, which is free and open to the pubic, will pit up to 8 bands and up to 6 solo performers in a fun yet spirited musical competition.  The winner in the Battle of the Bands competition will receive a first prize of $200 and have the opportunity to perform a 45-minute set on the Budweiser Rock Stage during Harborfest.  The winning solo performer in the Battle of Bands competition will receive a first prize of $75 and the opportunity to perform a 30-minute set on the Veteran’s Stage on River Walk West during Harborfest.

To be eligible performers must be under the age of 21 as of December 31, 2008, submit a clearly labeled CD or cassette recording containing no more than three songs, and a completed official Harborfest Battle of the Bands application. 

Applications are available at the Harborfest office, 41 Lake Street in Oswego, A&J Music, 104 East Bridge Street in Oswego, or can be downloaded from the Harborfest website, www.oswegoharborfest.com.  Completed entries may be delivered in person or mailed to Harborfest, 41 Lake Street, Oswego, NY  13126.  All entries must be received no later than June 6^th 2008. 

Slated for July 24^th - 27^th, the 2008 edition of Harborfest will feature plenty of food, fun and entertainment as venues on both Oswego’s east and west sides will be used to deliver the excitement.  A wide variety of entertainment will be featured on stages throughout the city of Oswego including, the NRG Family Stage in Washington Square Park, the Budweiser Rock Stage on East Second Street, the Veteran’s Stage on West River Walk, and the Labatt Lakeview Stage in Breitbeck Park.  

With the Route 104 Bridge closed for repair this summer, be sure to plan accordingly so that you don’t miss the events you want to see.  The Utica Street Bridge will be open as will the pedestrian walking bridge located just north of Utica Street.  Visit the Harborfest website at www.oswegoharborfest.com for the latest information regarding transportation options and performance schedules.