The grand prize winner will receive 1 of 3 of the following prize packages based on total number of “Likes” at the end of the Promotion Period: (4000+ “Likes”)

The Platinum Level prize comprises a Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster, Fender ’65 Deluxe Twin Reverb Amp, and a Reunion Blues Case and Guitar Strap valued at $5,000.

The Gold Level prize pack is made-up of a RB Continental Guitar Case, Fender American Standard Strat, Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Amp, and a RB Merino Wool Guitar Strap valued at $3,200. (2500 to 3999 “Likes”) (more…)

The Toronto Independent Music Awards is now accepting submissions and has announced some changes for the 2011/12 season. First, the show—initially held annually—is moving to a bi-annual schedule, with the next awards event scheduled for August 2012.

The TIMAs Best Live competition component, the Home and Native Sound Showcase Series (HNSS), will span the two-year period in between shows. The TIMAs is now accepting submissions for Season 3 of Home and Native Sound. Apply here: http://homeandnativesound.com/entry/

HNSS Showcases will take place at Clinton’s Tavern on Sundays throughout the summer and fall.

The TIMAs will also be featuring a Grand Jury; a panel of industry insiders who will be judging all TIMA submissions and voting for winners.  (more…)

LA Music Academy is offering $100,000 in institutional grants to qualified applicants for the school’s bass department. Bass players interested in attending school for the Fall 2011 semester, which kicks off October 3, 2011, have until August 15th to turn in applications. Canadians are eligible.

Jerry Watts heads the bass department at LA Music Academy, which offers a bass music performance degree among its instrumental and music production programs. “A lot of musicians incorrectly assume a formal music education is out of their financial means, but with these grants, financial aid and  scholarships available, you will be surprised to see how feasible it is to attend LA Music Academy, one of the top music colleges in the world,” says Watts. (more…)