MISSISSAUGA RISING STAR YOUTH CHALLENGE
Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival Mississauga “Rising Star” Youth Challenge Rules, Regulations and Registration
What is the “Mississauga “Rising Star” Youth Challenge”?
The Southside Blues & Jazz Festival are looking to provide an opportunity for youth from Mississauga to perform in a festival atmosphere, in front of a live audience at its annual event in 2025. The dates of this year’s Shuffle event are September 5th to 7th, 2025 in Memorial Park in Port Credit. Competitors will perform on the South Stage in the south end of the park in the (Free Zone). Participants are encouraged to bring their families and fans to enjoy the competition and cheer on their favourite performances. (Lawn chairs are recommended).
The Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival have teamed up with Metalworks Studios, Canada’s premier recording facility and their new online music platform SoundsUnite, along with Long & McQuade, Canada’s largest music equipment retailer, and the Hazel McCallion Foundation to create this exciting opportunity for the youth in our community interested in music, to experience a music festival environment and win valuable prizes. Why Compete? - An opportunity for you to perform in front of a live audience at one of Canada’s premiere music festivals. - A chance to win a recording session at Metalworks Studios, along with fabulous prizes from Long & McQuade! - All performers will receive a free subscription to SoundsUnite, Metalworks new online music platform!
All performers,( bands) wishing to register for the Mississauga “Rising Star” Youth Chal-lenge competition must read and accept the following rules and regulations before com-pleting the registration form.
Eligibility
1. This Competition is open to all Participants (12) years old and up to age (19) as of January 1st 2025.
2. If you are a Participant who is below sixteen years old (as of January 1st 2025), you must obtain the consent of your parent or legal guardian before participating in this competi-tion. By submitting your application or together with your group, you confirm and represent that the consent of your parent or legal guardian has been obtained.
3. This competition is free to enter.
4. The Performer must be Mississauga-based. If you are a band, the majority of your group must be Mississauga based.
5. This competition is open only to participants who have not signed a contract with a record company, or any contract with any third party record label, any contract for performance with a live music venue or any other similar arrangement.
To avoid doubt: If you are a participant who is contracted to, and is currently performing live music at any venue on a regular basis, you are disqualified from participating in this competition.
Registration Note: Registrants must have their individual or group information submitted to SoundsUnite
1. Entries will be accepted online only, no later than Friday, August 1st., 2025. See Upload Instructions below.
2. Each participant or group will need to submit: - ONE (1) direct link on Youtube, Vimeo or any other similar service, a video of your performing. (See instructions below) - The video must be of you or your group performing at least one (1) song live in any genre, and in English.
3. The Submission must be compiled and sent to us in one (1) email. Multiple Submissions are not allowed.
4. By registering your Submission: You or your group agrees that any part of the Submission may be used, reproduced, broadcast or streamed by the Southside Shuffle through whatever media channel or format, without fur-ther consultation; and The Southside Shuffle may exercise its sole discretion to use the names, identification, image, and comments of the participants, relating to the competition experience for promotional, marketing and publicity purposes in any media without any fee being paid to the participant.
Artist Video Upload Instructions for SoundsUnite To submit your track:
1. Create an account on SoundsUnite
2. Build your profile!
3. Upload a video by selecting Create Post in the sidebar
4. Click Upload A Video
5. Add your video, a cover image and title, along with any other information you want to share about your video.
6. Make sure you select the Submit to Southside Shuffle “Rising Star” Youth Challenge option.
7. Click Upload
8. Once your track is uploaded, you'll find it on the Southside Shuffle “Rising Star” Youth Challenge feed. Be sure to share the link with your friends!
The top 10 perform-ers with the most likes will be considered by the live judging panel!
Performer Requirements for the Competition Jury
Two (2) photos of the Performer or Group, pre-cleared for all media uses; - a brief description of the Performer or Group, including the proposed genre of music to be performed in the competition. The description must not be longer than one hundred (100) words and must be pre-cleared for all media uses; - Names and contact details of all participants; - Lead contact person of the singular performance or Group; - Instruments played by the individual or participants in the Group; - A stage plot outlining equipment location; and - Parental consent for participants under the age of 16 as of January 1st 2025
Please Note: Participants may bring one roadie to assist them on-stage with set-up and break-down and that person must also be listed on the registration form.
What backline equipment will be provided at the Festival competition?
1x 8 piece - Electronic drum-set 1x Keyboard 1x Bass Amplifier 1x Electric Guitar Amplifier 1x 3 Channel Amplifier (Keyboard/Guitar) 3x Direct Input
Performance Details:
The jury will select 5 entrants from all submissions, who will perform at the Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival on Saturday, September 6th 2025 from12:30 pm until 2:00 pm in 15 minute sets. The winner will then be invited to receive their recognition in front of the Main Stage audience immediately prior to the final performance of the Festival.
Awards:
All 5 finalists who perform on Saturday will receive a framed certificate acknowledging their participation in the competition and a free subscription to SoundsUnite for each individual or members of the band. - Finalists will also receive a framed certificate along with the following:
3rd place: Runner-up: Winner: Recording session at Metalworks Studios Details of the event: - Each performer will be given the opportunity to play up to 3 songs during a 15-minute set. - Vocalists may use pre-recorded sound material. All bands must play live. - All songs may be original or cover songs by other artists. - There will be a strict time limit of 15 minute performances. Please plan your songs accordingly.
Prior to their performance, you will be given 10 minutes to set up and do a quick sound check and 5 minutes to break down your equipment after your performance to vacate the stage. Bands may bring one adult (roadie) to assist them with set-up and break-down and that person must also be listed on the registration form. The Shuffle will also have an additional qualified technical person available to assist.
Performers must be dressed in clothing free from obscenities. This is a family oriented event and therefore only activities suitable for families will be permitted. - Lyrics of performance songs should not contain any obscenities if possible. Judges can deduct points for any use of obscenities not necessary.
The entire performance must be violence-free and suitable for families. - If a performer incites moshing or any other sort of violence in the crowd, they will be immediately disqualified and the performance will be stopped.
The use of any illegal substances will not be tolerated. If any performer is suspected to be under the influence of an illegal substance, the performer or entire band will be disqualified and the proper authorities will be notified.
All performers are required to be present at least 30 minutes prior to their performance time to check in with the coordinator. If all performers are not present and ready to set up for their performance 15 minutes before going on stage, the band will be disqualified.
While one performance is playing, the next performer or band may start getting ready to set up backstage. However, please do not be disruptive so that the performer on stage can be the focus of the judges and the crowd.
All participants are required to be courteous and respectful toward other participating musicians.
Performers are responsible for the security of their equipment and the Southside Shuffle cannot be held liable for any lost, damaged, or stolen equipment. Fog machines, pyrotechnics, etc. are not allowed.
Each judge will be given a scoring sheet for each band. There will be a place for judges to write comments. Once the competition is over, bands will have the opportunity to obtain the scoring forms snd comments from the event coordinator.
Judging:
Judges will score the competition based upon a set criteria: Stage presentation, band syn-chronization, time management, song quality, stage management, audience interaction, and originality. Points are awarded in each category using a point system of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
Prizes
To be determined
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How can I/we enter the competition?
(See registration details)
2. Can I enter the competition more than once?
Each participant can only enter the competition once.
3. Are we allowed to do our own original songs?
Yes, although cover songs are recommended.
4. Can we re-perform a song that we submitted during our initial applications if we get through?
Yes you can. However, you are encouraged to perform other songs to showcase your vocal range and versatility in song choices.
5. How can I find out if I have been shortlisted for the competition?
We will contact you using the contact details you have given us via email during your submission.
6. Can we audition in person instead?
No, all audition video clips must be submitted online.
7. I have participated in televised music competitions; can I still enter the competition?
Yes you can, as long as you!ve never been, or are not currently contracted to any recording label or have resident gigs at any venues.
8. Can we use previously recorded footage or performances as our audition video?
You may submit (i) an original video recorded and made specifically for this competition or (ii) a previously recorded video performance provided that it was recorded within the past 2 (two) months and it captures your current image and sound of a live performance.
9. What are the specifications of the components provided at the festival performance?
a. 1x Alesis 8-piece Electronic drum-set b. 1x Roland FA-06 Workstation c. 1x Fender Rumble 200 Bass Amplifier d. 1x Fender Mustang GT100 Electric Guitar Amplifier e. 1x 3 Channel Amplifier (Keyboard/Guitar) f. 3x Direct Input g. 3x Shure Vocal Mics