This fall, one local band will represent Madison in BandSwap, a collaborative effort that highlights the music scenes of eight American cities. The project is a partnership between the city of Madison and SpokesBUZZ, a nonprofit that promotes the music scene of Fort Collins, Colo.
First, BandSwap will send a set of Fort Collins musicians to Madison, where they'll team up with local performers who share a similar sound and fan base. The groups will perform at the High Noon Saloon on Sept. 21 and 22. Then, from Oct. 3 to 7, the band that represents Madison will then visit Fort Collins, where they'll perform with musicians from Asheville, N.C., Chico, Calif., Denver, Lafayette, La., Nashville, and Portland, Ore. In addition to gaining touring experience, they'll get to grow their audience in another city and network with music-industry representatives.
BandSwap also includes opportunities to connect with national media outlets and strengthen the economies of Madison and Fort Collins, cities SpokesBUZZ has dubbed "progressive cultural destinations." Music-industry information sessions and events with local press will take place in Madison in conjunction with the program.
Interested bands should submit a statement of interest to Karin Wolf, the city's arts program administrator, at kwolf@cityofmadison.com by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1. The city will base its decision on qualities such as musical talent, professionalism, creativity, showmanship, social marketing skills, and collaborative spirit. More information is available in a press release issued by the city.
