This week, we’re opening up nominations for our fourth annual Uniter Fiver music contest. We’ve got a really strong music scene here, and it would be nearly impossible for us to pick five favourites, so we leave that in your hands in the form of a contest.

This now-annual tradition is more than your average battle of the bands, though. It’s a chance to discover, explore and support all the new musical talent that Manitoba has to offer.

The first step is the nominations process, which is really simple, because bands and solo artists can just nominate themselves. Send us a bit of information (see page 14 for more on that), and you’re good to go. After that, the fun really starts.

In early December, we’ll post all of the bands who’ve entered the Uniter Fiver on our website, and then open voting up to you. You’ll have a chance to listen to a song from each band and read a little bit about their musical mission. Maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll find a few new favourites.

The top five bands (as voted by you) are what put the five in the Fiver, and they’ll all be playing a grand showcase on Jan. 19 at The Good Will Social Club. The top five will also be featured in the issue of The Uniter that launches on the same day. 

Out of those five, an industry panel will choose a big winner, and all five will get a pile of prizes. And for those who voted for those top five, you’ll get to see your faves on stage.

Our local musical talent is well worth celebrating, and the Uniter Fiver is our way of pitching in and supporting the scene. So send us your best tunes - we can’t wait to share them with everyone!

Published in Volume 71, Number 10 of The Uniter (November 10, 2016)