First Night seeks area artists for annual event

Downtown Akron Partnership seeks local and regional artists to participate in First Night® Akron 2011 on Dec. 31.

Artist proposals are being accepted for all performing and visual arts, including, but not limited to: music, dance, theater, puppetry, film, visual art/ installation art, interactive/participatory activities, literary/storytelling/poetry activities and make and take activities. Special consideration will be given to projects that incorporate the celebration of First Night's 15th Year or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) elements.

All performers are paid. Selection is based on artistic merit, quality of support materials, technical feasibility and availability of funds. Deadline for proposals is June 18.

Interested artists should complete an application form online, available at www.firstnightakron.org/artistproposals.

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Applications can also be downloaded and mailed to: First Night Akron, Downtown Akron Partnership, Greystone Hall, 103 S. High St., Forth Floor, Akron 44308.

Teen Battle
of the Bands

Teen bands should get ready for First Night® Akron's Teen Battle of the Bands. Bragging rights for the band and a 30 minute performance are on the line for First Night's Teen Battle of the Bands.

Area teen bands will participate in an online voting process for a chance to perform and compete live at the First Night Battle of the Bands. It's up to the public to vote both online and at the final event. The competition is free to enter. Applications are due on June 18 to secure a spot in the online voting process and a chance to participate in the First Night 15th Year Celebration.

Requirements for applicants are as followed:

* Bands must complete the First Night Akron Artist application.

* Bands must have 50% of their members currently in high school.

* Once the application process is complete, bands must submit a 3 to 5 minute video presentation. The video should feature a band performance of a song (original or cover) and footage of a band performance and/or photo slide show. The song can either be a studio recording or a live performance recording.

Five bands will be selected by a public online voting process to compete live at First Night 2011. (Voting will begin in the fall.) The First Night competition will be Dec. 31 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The audience will cast their votes for their favorite performance. The band with the highest number of votes will be selected to play at the Mainstage that evening between 11 p.m. and midnight.