The first round of Wakarusa artist announcements was released last week, and while there are still two more rounds of announcements to come, at least one slot on the coveted festival stage will be filled next week in Fayetteville.
Of course, we’re talking about the Waka Winter Classic, the annual battle of the bands-style competition with first prize being a Wakarusa gig for one lucky local group, and this year’s classic is set for Thursday, Jan. 16 at George’s Majestic Lounge.
Five local bands, including Revolution Butterfly, Randall Shreve and the Sideshow, Cadillac Jackson, Foley’s Van, Space Camp and Don’t Stop Please, will compete in the classic this year, and the audience in attendance that night will decide which band will perform at Wakarusa this summer.
Here’s how voting works; every person who pays to enter the venue will receive a raffle ticket which they will use to vote for their favorite band. After all of the bands have played, votes will be tallied, and organizers will announce the winner.
Cadillac Jackson has won the classic before, but the rest of the bands (as far as we know) would be making their debut at the festival if they were to receive the nod from fans next Thursday night.
Who do you guys think will come out on top?
Waka Winter Classic Tour
Jan. 9 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom
Jan. 10 – Dallas, TX – Trees
Jan. 11 – Austin, TX – The Parish
Jan. 16 – Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic Lounge
Jan. 16 – Springfield, MO – Outland Ballroom
Jan. 18 – Little Rock, AR – Stickyz
Jan. 23 – Ft. Collins, CO – Hodi’s Half Note
Jan. 25 – Denver, CO – Cervantes’
Feb. 1 – Des Moines, IA – Vaudeville Mews
Feb. 1 – Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck
Feb. 6 – Chicago, IL – Double Door
Feb. 8 – Columbia, MO – Mojo’s
Feb. 13 – St. Louis, MO – Old Rock House
Feb. 15 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre
Feb. 20 – Birmingham, AL – Workplay
Feb. 22 – Athens, GA – New Earth Music Hall
