BANFF – Tommy’s Unplugged, a community showcase and music competition in Banff, returns for its 10th installment of microphone majesty this fall.
Open to singles, duos, trios and full bands, registration has officially started for the battle of the bands, which takes place at Tommy’s Neighbourhood Pub in downtown Banff, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. starting Nov. 16 until the Dec. 21 finals.
Registration ballots are available at the venue and the deadline to sign-up is Nov. 11.
“I’m so happy people are engaged in playing live music and [Tommy's Unplugged] has turned into more than just a competition,” said Garry Gonis, organizer and local music legend. “It’s a really strong musical community, which has grown – which I did not expect – and I’m very proud of that.”
Musical talent will take to the pint-sized stage inside the pub for a chance at $1,000 in prizes, and an additional gig at Banff’s Harvest Fest in September 2023.
At Unplugged, the only electric instruments allowed are keyboards and bass guitars. Percussions are encouraged, but drums are prohibited inside the smaller venue.
Preliminary rounds are Nov. 16, Nov. 23, Nov. 30, and Dec. 7. The semifinal is Dec. 14 and the finals is Dec. 21, when a winner will be named.
Acts have 30 minutes per set to woo the audience and judges with their musicianship, stage presence, and X-factor flair.
As frontman of the Rocky Mountain country band, The Ramblin’ Hey, Ho, Ha’s, Gonis has a natural affinity for the entertainment-value of a stage performance.
“If you do something incredible, it’s definitely going to be noticed and marked for that,” said Gonis.
In previous years, musicians wrote and performed all original material for Unplugged, but new rules have been pencilled in to make it easier for artists to enter following the pandemic such as cover songs being allowed.
“If they have two original songs, they get an extra 10 points for that or if they want to play all originals,” said Gonis.
The locals’ favourite pub has been rocking to the competition’s mountain tunes for a decade. Previous winners include Buena Hermano (April 2022), Panic Station (2019), Caitlin Connelly (2018), Kyle Pullan (2017), Tea & Biscuits (2016), The Samm Bailey Band (2015), Kill Your Radio (2014), The Shrugs (2013), and Elk Run & Riot (2012).
Earlier this year, fan favourites Buena Harmano, playing an upbeat Latin style with singable hooks and cheerful vibes, won the ninth edition in Tommy’s Unplugged’s return following two years of inactivity due to the pandemic.
