Wildhorse Saloon Seeks Country Music's Next Big Act

'Battle for the Saddle' Band Search Competition Kicks off April 19

Nashville, Tenn.—( March 8, 2011 ) The world-famous Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tenn., is looking to lasso country music's next big act in its Battle for the Saddleband search competition. This mecca of live entertainment is the home of Music City's highly coveted top spot—the musical face of the legendary venue. In its third year, the competition is a nationwide search for what will become the top band of the Wildhorse Saloon, with an enticing package for the winning band. It all kicks off Tuesday, April 19, 2011.

"With downtown Nashville location—the heart of Music City's scene—bands are primed for the best visibility in Music City," said Ron Kerere, general manager of the Wildhorse Saloon. "Country acts Trick Pony, Ricochet, Lonestar and Lo Cash Cowboys got their start at the Wildhorse, and our Battle for the Saddle competition will give an aspiring band the chance to join the ranks of those successful acts."

In addition to receiving a permanent rotation in the Wildhorse's band line-up, the winning band will receive a showcase with music industry executives, an artistry photo shoot by Edwards Photography Studios valued at $1,000 and an appearance during Country Music Association (CMA) week.

Confirmed judges include Kerere; Michael Knox, record producer for country megastar Jason Aldean; Jeff Howard, talent agent for Agency of the Performing Arts; Kerere; and a "wild card" celebrity judge that will change for each of the semi-final rounds. Judging will take place Tuesday, April 19, 2011; Monday, April 25, 2011; Wednesday, May 4, 2011; and Tuesday, May 17, 2011. All semi-finalists will compete in the finale scheduled for Wednedsay, June 1, 2011.

The judges of the Battle for the Saddle competition are searching for bands that can play a large repertoire of country and rock cover songs, plus an original selection, energetic enough to get the crowd out of their seats and onto the largest dance floor in town—line dancing, two stepping and rocking to great music. Each night of competition is open to the public, and since part of the judging process takes the audience's response into consideration, bands are encouraged to invite all of their fans to cheer them on.

Interested bands should e-mail an electronic press kit (EPK) to Kara Edwards at kedwards@gaylordhotels.com for consideration. Participants will be narrowed down based on EPK entries, and the best will be selected for the contest.

For more information on any of the features at the Wildhorse Saloon, please call 615-902-8211 or visit www.wildhorsesaloon.com.

 

ABOUT THE WILDHORSE SALOON
The Wildhorse® Saloon turned a three-level historic warehouse into a 66,000 square foot restaurant, bar and live music and dance destination that sees more than 1.5 million music fans stampede through its doors annually.  Since opening in 1994, the venue has played host to the top performing artists in all genres, including Alan Jackson, Bret Michaels, Sugarland, Ringo Starr, Rick Springfield and Craig Morgan. The Wildhorse is the largest per capita restaurant in all of Tennessee and also has the largest television screen in Music City, not to mention the largest dance floor.  The Wildhorse Saloon is owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a leading hospitality and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tenn.  For more information, visit www.WildhorseSaloon.com.

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Media Contacts:
Ann Dee McClane-Bunn, (615) 458-2896, amcclane-bunn@gaylordhotels.com
Jennifer McKell, (615) 902-8282, jmckell@wildhorsesaloon.com