A new Stonewall initiative will be music to the ears of local bands interested in vying for the chance to perform a Canada Day concert in Quarry Park.
The Town of Stonewall is seeking audition video submissions from musical groups for a Battle of the Bands contest.
Brittany Isfeld, the town’s economic and tourism development officer, said they’re taking an open approach for this brand-new project.
“All genres are welcome, whether it’s rock, country, indie, pop or something unique. While the focus is on bands, we are absolutely open to solo musicians as well. If you can perform and engage a crowd, we want to hear from you,” she said.
“While we love supporting local talent, this is open to musicians from across the region and beyond. Stonewall acts as a service hub for surrounding communities, so it made sense to open it up and invite a wider pool of talent.”
The goal of the competition is two-fold, she added. To start, it serves to create a high-energy, engaging experience for residents and visitors at Stonewall’s Canada Day celebration. At the same time, the project aims to support and promote musicians by giving them a meaningful performance opportunity.
“It’s about building community while also creating a stage for talent that may not otherwise have access to this kind of audience,” Isfeld said.
“A panel of judges will review submissions and select finalists who will perform live on Canada Day. From there, a winner will be chosen based on performance. The winning act will receive a featured performance opportunity, including the chance to headline a future community event, which is a great way to continue building their exposure.”
To be considered for the opportunity, bands need to submit an audition video to etdo@stonewall.ca with the subject line “Battle of the Bands.”
“We’re asking for a clip of one full song that represents their sound and performance style,” she said. “We’ll be promoting a clear deadline through our channels to ensure everyone has time to apply.”
For Isfeld, she’s most excited about the energy the family-friendly concert will bring.
“Live music has a way of transforming an event, and Canada Day is all about celebration, connection and community pride. This adds a dynamic, interactive element where people can discover new talent and really feel part of the experience,” she said.
“We’re really encouraging anyone who’s been thinking about putting themselves out there to take the leap and apply. This is meant to be fun, inclusive and a great opportunity to gain exposure. It’s also something we hope to grow year over year into a signature part of Stonewall’s event lineup.”
