The Steel City Showdown at AMP Storage & Studios

Are you ready to showcase your talent and compete for top prizes? The Steel City Showdown is Pittsburgh’s newest skill-based competition exclusively for the bands in the AMP Storage & Studios community. Compete with fellow musicians, collaborate with the local music scene, and show off your creativity in a contest where no purchase is necessary to enter.

Contest Overview

The Steel City Showdown is a skill-based event judged on musical performance, originality, and stage presence. As part of our community, this is your chance to win $5,000 cash or other prizes, including free AMP rehearsal studio time. Participation is limited to bands who are tenants in the AMP Storage & Studios facility, ensuring a close-knit competition focused on fostering collaboration and growth.

How It Works

1.     Eligibility: This contest is open exclusively to rehearsal clients of AMP Storage & Studios. No additional entry fee or purchase is necessary to participate.

2.     Sign Up: Members of AMP may register their bands for the Steel City Showdown by texting the word "AMPED" to the software. Limited spots are available, so don’t miss your chance to enter!

3.     Compete for Prizes: Perform your best and compete for the top prizes! The contest will be judged by a panel based on your skill, originality, and performance.

4.     IRS Tax Requirements: If you win the $5,000 cash prize, we are required to issue a 1099-MISC form as the prize exceeds $600. The prize money must be reported as income for tax purposes.

Prizes

• 1st Place: $5,000 cash prize
• 2nd Place: Free rehearsal studio for 1 year
• 3rd Place: Free rehearsal studio for 6 months

All prizes will be awarded based on performance and judged on a clear set of criteria, ensuring a fair and skill-based competition.

Why Steel City Showdown?

Hosted at the historic AMP Storage & Studios—a building with deep roots in Pittsburgh's industrial and musical history—this competition is more than just a performance; it's a chance to join a community. With convenient loading docks, easy access to major highways, and a growing community of bands, Steel City Showdown is the perfect platform for local musicians to come together and be recognized.

Legal Information

• Skill-Based Competition: Steel City Showdown is a competition based solely on skill. No element of chance is involved in determining the winners.
• No Purchase Necessary: There are no additional entry fees or purchases required to compete.
• Tax Information: For any cash prizes exceeding $600, a 1099-MISC form will be issued to comply with IRS regulations. Prize winners must report the earnings as income on their tax returns.

How Steel City Showdown Works: What to Expect

Steel City Showdown is a two-day event packed with performances from up to 40 bands across the greater Pittsburgh area. To make sure everyone gets their time on stage and a fair chance to compete, here’s a breakdown of how the event is structured:

Day 1: Preliminary Rounds (Saturday)

• 4 Heats: 10 bands per heat.
• Each band will have a 10-12 minute set to showcase their skills.
• Bands are judged by a panel on creativity, performance, and stage presence.
• The top 2-3 bands from each heat will advance to the semi-finals on Sunday.

Heat Schedule:

• Heat 1: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Heat 2: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
• Heat 3: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• Heat 4: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Day 2: Semi-Finals and Finals (Sunday)

• The top 8-12 bands will compete in the semi-finals.
• Semi-finalists will get 15-minute sets.
• The best performers from each semi-final will advance to the Finals, where the top 3-5 bands will compete for the grand prize with 20-minute sets.

Sunday Schedule:

• Semi-Final 1: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• Semi-Final 2: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
• Finals: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Important Information for Participants:

• Easy Load-In and Setup: With multiple entrances, and an indoor loading bay, bands can easily bring in their equipment and set up while another performance is happening. This ensures smooth transitions and keeps the show on schedule.
• Judging: Our panel of judges will evaluate each band based on skill, originality, and crowd engagement. The results will be announced at the end of each heat, and finalists will be announced on Sunday.
• What to Bring: Make sure to bring all necessary instruments, amps, and any special gear you may need for your performance. Basic sound equipment will be provided by the venue.

How to Sign Up:

Ready to take the stage? Select your studio and text the word "AMPED" to secure your spot in the Steel City Showdown! Spaces are limited, so don’t wait!