Things To Do in Baltimore

For Release: May 8, 2009

FIVE SEMIFINALISTS SELECTED FOR SOUND-OFF! ARTSCAPE’S BAND COMPETITION

ONLINE VOTING TAKES PLACE THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2009

Artscape music lovers and fans can now vote for their favorite performers.  Sound-off! returns for a second year with some of the region’s best unsigned bands.  The five talented bands chosen to compete for top prizes are Ellen Cherry, For the People Entertainment, Jinxxx, Thrushes and Wordsmith.  You can help determine this year’s winner by voting online through Sunday, May 31 at www.artscape.org. Don’t miss your opportunity to support great bands.  SOUND-OFF! Artscape’s Unsigned Band Competition is presented by Mayor Sheila Dixon, supported by City Paper, WTMD and The Sound Garden, and produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts.

The winning group will perform on the Main Stage at Artscape on Saturday, July 18 at 3pm.  Prizes include a performance at Artscape, a $500 performance check and a backstage party for 20 fans. Artscape, America’s largest free celebration of the arts takes place Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 from noon to 10pm and Sunday, July 19 from noon to 8pm.  Artscape is free and open to the public.

2009 SOUND-OFF! SEMIFINALISTS

Ellen Cherry (Baltimore, MD) – The multitalented singer, recording engineer and artist started her career in 1997.  Cherry fuses her love of history and literature to create a commanding sound.  The almost six foot performer has toured internationally including venues in New York, Texas, Tennessee, Maryland and Switzerland.  The pop singer’s debut album was entitled Careful.

For the People Entertainment (Baltimore, MD) – Founded in 2004, the hip-hop and rap band consists of five friends from the Baltimore area.  Their opening show, “The Beginning” was held at the Otto Bar, followed by a debut album the For the People Mix Tape Sampler.  For the People Entertainment has organized shows at numerous local venues including Sonar, Fletcher’s Bar and the Brass Money.  Band members are Cutthroat, Bear, Nacktronics, Sketch and Auz.

Jinxxx (Baltimore, MD) – Ave “Jinxxx” Perry is a hip-hop rapper, singer and songwriter.  Born in 1988, the east Baltimore native found a love for poetry at a young age.  In 2005, while attending Northern High School, Perry created the name Jinxxx.  One day she hopes that Baltimore and its artists are recognized and respected for the true talents that they possess.

Thrushes (Baltimore, MD) – Their premise is strikingly simple— rock music should be beautiful.  “Real” chemistry is what has kept Thrushes going strong.  After being on the indie scene of the mid-90s, the Baltimore-based band longed to make meaningful music again.  Sun Come Undone is their debut full length record that is described as gorgeous noise pop and swirling dream rock lullabies.  Band members are Casey Harvey, guitarist, Rachel Tracy, bassist, Anna Conner, vocalist and guitarist and Matt Davis drummer.

Wordsmith (Baltimore, MD) – As the son of a former army “full colonel,” Wordsmith has called many places home.  The versatile rapper has incorporated soul and classic 90s hip-hop to create unique sound with unparalleled lyrics.  Wordsmith has been influenced by legends Eric B. and Rakim, A tribe called Quest, Public Enemy among others.  The mix tape veteran will release his first album, Wordsmith & I.N.C The Poet-A Baltimore Martini in late May 2009.

The semifinalists were chosen from more than 85 submissions.  A distinguished panel of music professionals evaluated and selected these five bands.  Participating judges were Billy Zero, WTMD program director, Bret McCabe, City Paper arts editor, and Jimmy Mac, local music buyer with The Sound Garden

For more information on SOUND-OFF! Artscape’s Unsigned Band Competition or other Artscape activities call 1-877-BALTIMORE or visit www.artscape.org.