Winfield, Kansas—Officials at Walnut Valley Association (WVA) announced that registration is now open to bands wishing to take part in its inaugural virtual Battle of the Bands, part of the virtual Walnut Valley Festival, dubbed WVF 48.5. The contest will be included in the weeklong event, which will include instrument workshops, a special evening with John McCutcheon, a Concert of Champions, a NewSong Showcase, and concerts produced specifically for this event, which runs September 12-20.
Every year, talented local and regional bands attend the festival, putting in a full week of appearances at campground stages and picking sessions on grounds. In recognition of this important tradition, WVA is bringing back a contest that was held in the festival’s early years: a Battle of the Bands. WVA’s website is accepting entries for the online contest, open to any band that has never performed as part of Winfield’s official lineup. Bands should submit videos of their performances, which will be shared on a page of the festival website dedicated to the contest. Fans will then have a chance to vote for favorite bands, at the same time donating to support WVF 48.5. The winning band will be invited to play at the 49th Walnut Valley Festival, in 2021. Full contest details, rules and online registration are available at wvfest.com/band-registration/
Winfield’s Legacy Foundation and Winfield Arts and Humanities Council have will facilitate the fundraising aspect of the event. To aid in fundraising, Elk Falls Pottery and Art Farm Screen Printing & Design are producing special mugs and t-shirts to reward donors.