A music competition entitled “Rock Your Passion” aiming at discovering the best local rock bands and bringing world-leading groups to the country will be hosted here over December 5 to January 6.
After a long break from successful music competitions including “Unplugged” for student rock bands of universities and the first Pop Rock festival in 1992 presenting big names like Ba Con Meo (Three cats), Den Trang (Black and White) and Da Vang (The Yellow Skin), who still win rock fans’ hearts, people started believing this kind of this music fell into obscurity.
However many groups of rock fans have tried to organize monthly gatherings or set up clubs in HCMC and Ha Noi where they can go to exchange the latest information, play music, study and learn popular rock music with each other.
Several well-known rock bands such as the Microwave, Unlimited, Buc Tuong (The Wall) and more were born at that time. These rock bands help each other improve their professionalism, performing styles and learn more about composing Vietnamese rock songs.
People often think rock music is ear-splitting and a game of crazy people. But most of rock songs reflect real life and attract many listeners, including fastidious or good-natured people. Young rockers are not excessive. “Do not let people think rock is a game of eccentrics”, a rock fan said.
Rock music is achieving new developments, with emphases on its healthy, useful aspects for society. Therefore, it’s time rock be treated well, especially when organizing real playing events for encouraging and discovering music talents.
More than 50 groups are expected to participate in the “Rock Your Passion” competition, including well-knowns like Homeless, Final Stage, Lazzee Dolls, Profecy, God Father, Silent, Black Friday, Nhiet Huyet (Fervor) and so on.
The grand-prize winner is to receive a cash prize of VN50 million (almost US$3,000) and join a world famous rock band on stage in a rock night called “Unite 08”, to take place in the middle of January 2008.
There is also a second prize of VND30 million, a third place worth VND20 million and three consolation prizes, VND10 million each. Winners of the “Favorite Band” award, voted by audiences, will take home VND15 million.
“Rock Your Passion” is not only a venue for rock bands nationwide. It is a good opportunity to explore Vietnamese rock talents and exchange experience in performing styles, kinds of music, etc. with world-leading rock bands, said. Tran Minh Tam, Marketing Manager of the Viet Nam Brewery Limited Corporation.
The contest will take place at the following venues: the Student’s Cultural House of Ha Noi, 37B Tran Binh Trong Street, Hai Ba Trung District, on December 5; Da Nang City’s Camel Club, 16 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, on December 10; and HCMC’s Acoustic Café, 6E Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street, District 3, on December 12.
The event is jointly organized by Central Pop Music and Dance Theater and the D&D Advertising Company, with support of Tiger Beer Viet
Sources TT, SGGP
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