While some bands made it just in time to register by December 31, others got their s**t together early and will get to play in the first nights of the Festival in Canada. The fun starts Thursday January 9th at the fabulous Rivoli. Each night, 8 great up-and-coming bands will strut their stuff for 30 minutes each. It’ll be up to the audience to pick their favorites – four bands per night will get to move on to the Semi-Finals, according to their votes! Rock being the flavour du jour, get ready to hear all variation on the theme. We’ve got your timeless Rock n’ roll, more melodic Brit rock & Pop rock, sexy Goth, classic Hard rock, retro Garage and edgy Indie & alternative rock. Thrown in the mix to spice things up is some World Music, Funk & Soul. In total, 128 talented bands will take to the stage in Toronto! Here are the first 32: Eliminatory #1 - Thursday Jan. 9 THE RIDDLE Rock ABLAZE World Music BEGGARZ Rock n Roll COMPANY SLAVE Rock VEGASPHERE ROUND 2 English Rock REDSHIFT Rock SEX WITHOUT SOULS Goth Rock Eliminatory #2 - Friday Jan. 10 GOODER Pop Rock DAYBREAK English Rock LOVEJOY Rock ADAM 8 Retro Futuristic Pop Rock FTA Rock WATSON Indie Rock KEY OF ME Alternative SLAVE TO THE SQUAREWAVE Pop Rock Eliminatory #3 - Saturday Jan. 11 OVERVIEW TWO TONGUES TIED Indie Rock LIFTED Rock BOSS GRUNIONS Rock LITTLE SUNDAY Alternative UNCLEFTY Rock TRIPCHORD Hard Rock THE FORMULA Funky Not yet 19? No problem! You can also join in on the Festival fun - Sunday, January 12 is open to fans of all ages. Eliminatory #4 - Sunday Jan. 12 (All Ages – Door at 7PM concert starts at 7:30PM sharp) COUNTER CLOCKWISE ORCHESTRA Hip Hop FAKE REALITY Hard Rock SHOWROOM Indie Rock UNCLE SETH English Rock MIKE VEERMAN Rock VULCAN DUB SQUAD Garage Psych/Soul Fairytale DREDDWOOD Rock n Roll THE PRODUCT Rock More Eliminatory nights are on the way in Toronto – Jan 30 to Feb 2, in March & April. We’ll keep you posted! Just scroll the “The Concerts in…” menu on the left of the screen to check out who’s playing next. Remember, all officially registered band members can go check out the other nights for free – just call 1-514-270-BAND or email Jackie@emergenza.net at least 24 hours in advance to add your name to the Guest List. The fun begins January 21st in Montreal, and February 19th in Ottawa. Check those out if you happen to pass through town! The Rivoli 332 Queen Street West Toronto 12$ in advance 18$ at the door (For advance tickets, get in touch with one of the bands above or buy your tix at The Rivoli the day of the show before 6PM.) Doors open at 7:30PM, and shows start at 8PM sharp! (unless noted).