It's time to hit the ground strumming.
The Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon is now accepting applications for acts wishing to perform on locations strategically placed along its 26-mile course.
This is not the kind of rock 'n' roll act organizers have in mind.
"We're looking for rock and roll in all it's different manifestations," Erika Delemarre of Entertainment Solutions explains, "everything from your pop-punk band that's [made of] a bunch of seniors in college to people who are seasoned, professional musicians."
Bands have until Sept. 30 to submit their application, music samples, setlists (for bands playing covers) and other materials to Entertainment Solutions for consideration. Decisions will be made and announced in early October.
Brewer Baker, of the event organizer Competitor Group, adds that, with plans to book more than 30 local and regional acts, the panel selecting the performers is open to a variety of genres, as well as some uniquely Vegas acts. "We're open to a group of can-can dancers, Elvis impersonators, anything fun that mixes it up a little bit, so it has that extra Vegas flair."
Of course, Delemarre reminds potential applicants that the name of the event suggests live music, so the majority of performers will be bands rather than novelty acts. "It is called the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon."
Monetary compensation is available for bands requiring it, however, Entertainment Solutions asks that bands waive payment and donate their time and talent to the marathon, which benefits the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America. The exposure to the expected sell-out crowd of 25,000 runners, the free publicity from media coverage and the warm feeling of philanthropy is often payment enough for acts.
Twenty-eight-year old Abebe Yimer of Las Vegas wins the marathon with a time of 2 hours 27 minutes and 27 seconds.
Not to mention the experience of literally playing on the Strip, which few bands will be able to boast on their resumes without an opportunity like this one. The Rock 'n' Roll marathon will shut down traffic in both directions on Las Vegas Boulevard from the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign located south of Mandalay Bay to Downtown, east of Charleston. The half marathon will run its entirety on the boulevard, while the full marathon will shut down Twain Avenue, Rainbow Boulevard and Hacienda Avenue.
Both marathons will conclude in the Mandalay Bay parking lot, where a concert will be held immediately after the race concludes. Typically, at other Rock 'n' Roll Marathons, the post-run concert is held later in the evening. However, with so many Vegas concerts and shows to compete with, event organizers decided to hold the concert earlier. Still, Baker promises a national headliner. She's mum on the name, but expects an official announcement before the end of the month.
One thing is certain, Delemarre says, "Runners won't need to bring their iPods."
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