BILOXI- The musical contest of the summer is reaching its crescendo.
On July 9th, Ground Zero Blues Club will host the final round of the Live Music Showdown presented by The Ear Candy Coalition. Four regional acts out of the original twenty will face off for the grand prize in the fifth and final week of the showcase which has been running on Thursdays throughout June.
The Live Music Showdown, according to ECC, is less like a typical battle of the bands and “more of a live music showcase with benefits.” With no entry fees or ticket requirements for the bands, the showcase instead focused on creating an enjoyable experience that everyone could take something from. Each night of the preliminary rounds was set up to be its own satisfying show: five acts of multiple styles, each playing 20 to 30 minute sets at one of the region’s premier venues. Whether solo, duo or a full band, originality is key and each act is required to have at least two original songs in their performance. The nightly winners, as determined by a panel of experienced judges as well as audience response, receive a cash prize and advance to the finals to bring the noise one more time for a shot at more prizes, recording opportunities and future bookings.
Power Bomb from Navarre, Florida was the first band to enter the winner’s bracket. A newer band with an old school swagger, they are a trio that blasts out fast paced, raw, axe chopping hard rock and roll with an upbeat energy that calls to mind early thrash and heavy metal like Motorhead and other acts.
The week two victory was claimed by Meridian, Mississippi’s CookieWu. Another newer act, CookieWu blends hard rock with funk, soul and metal, and have made a name for themselves with a series of releases and high energy stage performances all throughout the region since they started playing out in 2022.
Week three was challenged by the severe weather in the area that caused some to not be able to attend, but the show still went on. Alt rockers with a fun indie vibe and a knack for social activism, Shiba Shiba made their way in from central Mississippi and won the crowd, securing their spot on July 9th.
The week four winner has yet to be determined at the time of this writing. Coast Observer will be on site for the last preliminary as Black Water Bayou, Bangarang Peter, Shades of Wisteria, Mojo and Velvet Skys seek to claim the fourth slot for the final round. Be sure to check out the links below for the most up to date lineup!
The Ear Candy Coalition is a collective of gulf coast musicians that connects, assists and educates independent artists with the goal of helping them and the music scene grow and achieve. It features members of blues heavy-hitters The Chitlins and is partnered with the Spencer Henry Memorial Musical Instrument Library, which helps put school band and other instruments in the hands of those who might otherwise not have them.
“Mississippi and the deep south possess a rich musical heritage that we must actively preserve, promote and pass along to the next generation,” states ECC. For lovers of music, there’s something to get behind here.
You can catch several fantastic clips of some of the Showdown’s performances at the Ear Candy Coalition’s Facebook page. Check in with them there for the final lineup and other info for the Live Music Showdown’s epic conclusion, where you’ll have a fine chance to turn out and turn up with some of the area’s top players for yourself.
~Enjoy Local Music~
@ScottiRedd
“Ear Candy Coalition” on Facebook
“ECC Presents Live Music Showdown” event on Facebook
earcandycoalition.com
Photos by ECC
Pictured: Shiba Shiba, Violet Faks, Marley Roberts
