In case you missed it - and I know you did because I didn't see you there - the Musikfest Regional Band Showcase Semifinals was this weekend. There were 16 bands that performed for 15 minutes each to a sparse crowd at Northampton Community College (eight on Saturday and eight on Sunday).

Although the time between sets when they were just taking down and setting up equipment was extremely boring, the performances were top notch. It is really impressive and refreshing to see so many talented people from the Lehigh Valley (and some from surrounding areas). It made me feel sort of proud to live here. If you aren't into local music, give it a try because there is some seriously good stuff going on around here - no kidding. It was tough for me to narrow my choices down to three each day so I imagine the judges had a hard time.

The judges picked three winners per day and ended up with the following lineup for the final performances at this year's Musikfest... Sandlot Heroes, Eighteenth Hour, Even Further, Stasis, Mountain Funk, The Sloppy Joes. Meet them all and see our photos and videos from their performances.

Two more bands will also join the ranks this week, and they will be selected based on Web votes from you at musikfest.org. Check out our coverage of the semifinals and make your picks, then go to musikfest.org and vote for the bands you want to see.

Regional Band Competition for FEST

I was able to attend the band competition this past weekend. I agree the time between sets was dull, but the bands made up for it. Stasis and Mountain Funk really put on GREAT shows. Heck even the female judge from Musikfest was dancing to Mountain Funk.

I also overheard that next year the competition will be more of a festival. You know held out doors in a bandstand with food and fun.

You have to give Musikfest a lot of credit for always opening the door to the local music scene. And to keep on supplying the valley with FREE concerts. Yeah the big stage costs but it also cost big bucks to bring in the acts for that stage. I heard they had to pay well over 100k for Carrie Underwood. Geez how do they keep it going year after year.

The new Musikfest 2006 flyer has some interesting info they have over 500 performance during the 10 days and only 28 have a cost or a ticket, that means almost 472 performances are FREE. Hats off to you guys at ArtsQuest for continuing the fun, the music, the local and national angle and giving all of us one of the best summertime experiences.

KEEP IT FREE! And REAL
Master P