News Updates

Turn It Up Band Competition

The City of Carlsbad’s Cultural Arts Office is accepting submissions for its inaugural Turn It Up Band Competition. Turn It Up is designed to showcase and develop emerging musical talent ages 18 to 25 years old in San Diego County. The city offers free classes and resources for participants to help enhance their business acumen and artistry, opportunities for live performances and great prizes. Participation is free to eligible bands and online applications are being accepted through May 15.

Finalists will perform before judges at Front Row Fridays on June 14. The winner will perform the pre-show TGIF Concerts in the Parks on July 5 and be awarded additional prizes.

“We are launching the Turn It Up Band Competition because we want to help young, local talent take their craft to the next level,” said Cultural Arts Manager Richard Schultz. “Performing at events like Front Row Fridays and TGIF – which draws over 3,000 music lovers – gives the bands a chance to build a following and attendees a chance to experience what could be the next big name in music.”

At a Glance

• The competition is open to San Diego County bands, ages 18 to 25.
• No groups signed with a label, recording company or agent may enter.
• Ensembles must include at least two and no more than 10 members.
• Submission requirements include two video recordings with audio and a brief questionnaire about the band.
• Additional training and development opportunities are available for local musicians, regardless of participation in Turn It Up, including classes in the city’s Exploration HUB featuring photo, audio and video editing, merchandise creation and more.
• All participants are strongly encouraged to review the Turn It Up program information and submission guidelines in detail before applying.
• The deadline for submissions is May 15.
• The online application is available now.

More Information

An internal selection committee will notify finalists by May 24. Finalists will perform in front of judges at Front Row Fridays on June 14 at Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium. The judges will select a winning band to perform a pre-show concert on July 5 at TGIF Concerts in the Parks at Stagecoach Community Park.

Prizes for the winning band include passes to the GenNext Music Program at the 2020 NAMM Show, Recording Arts workshops at MiraCosta Community College, a cash prize and more. Second and third place winners will also receive prizes.

Even More Information

The event is being held in partnership with MiraCosta Community College and the Museum of Making Music. For more information, visit www.carlsbadca.gov/turnitup or contact Megan Gilby at megan.gilby@carlsbadca.gov or 760-602-2081.