Rock Candy

Local musicians: The Riverfest 2008 Entertainment committee is now accepting submissions for next year's festival. The deadline to be considered is Jan. 31, 2008. Musicians interested in participating need to include a photo, bio and CD or tape to Riverfest, Inc., 500 President Clinton Ave., Suite 217, LR, AR 72201.

ALSO: This year, Riverfest is introducing a special Arkansas Music Tent, where local acts and maybe a few national acts with local ties will play. Whereas in years past the biggest local acts would get stuck in marginal time-slots on main stages early in the day, the Arkansas Tent will host bands from 5 p.m. until late night. I'm on the planning committee for the tent, and I'd love to get suggestions in the comments for bands you'd like to see.

AND OF COURSE: The Jan. 10 deadline for entry into the annual Arkansas Times MUSICIANS SHOWCASE is fast approaching. All genres are welcome. The only real  stipulation is that you have at least four songs of original material.  Sixteen finalists will be chosen to compete in semi-final rounds, which will run from consecutive Thursday nights, from Jan. 31- Feb. 21. The four weekly winners will square off at Revolution for the finals on Friday, March 7. The winner gets a big prize pack, including a performance slot at Riverfest.

New this year: Bands can save the dollar and a half on postage by filling out an online form and uploading mp3s to our site. Go here; should be self-explanatory.

Email me at lindsey@arktimes.com with questions.